Why Commanders’ Jayden Daniels went No. 2 in 2024 NFL Draft, behind No. 1 Caleb Williams to Bears

There wasn't a lot of dispute with the Chicago Bears' selection at No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, when they took Caleb Williams out of USC.

That left Jayden Daniels, the Heisman Trophy winner from LSU, to the Washington Commanders at No. 2.

In the time since, those selections have taken on a different look. Daniels was the runaway Rookie of the Year, while Williams has been more erratic.

There's still lots of time for things to change, but this duo has certainly provided a quick and interesting dichotomy to look back on.

MORE: Why Caleb Williams paints his nails for NFL games

Why did the Bears draft Caleb Williams before Jayden Daniels?

Some might call this the Patrick Mahomes effect.

Williams was exhilarating at USC in large part for his work in off-platform throws. He made "wow" plays look routine.

Early in his NFL career, the Chiefs' superstar Mahomes rode such a style to massive success.

The Bears were hoping that Williams' natural throwing talent no matter where he was on the field, or no matter how his body was set up at the time of the throw, would make him an immediate star.

Williams is also a lot bigger than Daniels, and running QBs like Daniels are often viewed as a bigger injury risk, which would count as a knock against him compared to Williams.

MORE: How Jacory Croskey-Merritt fell to the 7th round of the NFL Draft

Why has Jayden Daniels been a better pick than Caleb Williams?

Jayden Daniels had a more stable rookie season.

It's not that he wasn't exciting, too. He showed off incredible throwing and running talent throughout the campaign.

He also worked behind a better offensive line, which never hurts. And his accuracy has proven to be pinpoint.

Maybe the biggest key has been Daniels' ability to limit turnovers in a way that Williams' risk-taking style hasn't been as good at so far in his career.

Should the Chicago Bears have drafted Jayden Daniels?

This is the question, isn't it? Except we can't go back in time.

The Bears drafted Williams and soon took Rome Odunze at No. 9 overall in 2024, too, to get him an immediate WR to grow up with side by side.

They've continued to invest in the offense around Williams, including the hiring of offensive mastermind coach Ben Johnson. They're doing everything they can to help him succeed.

Daniels may have had a bumpier ride in Chicago last season. And maybe Williams would've looked steadier in D.C.

All we have to go on is what has happened so far. But there are long-lasting careers still to go for both of these talented quarterbacks.

MORE: Jayden Daniels is NFL's first Japanese quarterback in nearly 100 years