The NFL is a constantly evolving league, with young quarterbacks often making significant strides in their second year. The 2025 season promises to be no different, with several second-year signal-callers poised to elevate their game and potentially transform their franchises. While quarterback is one of the most important football positions, let’s analyze which young players are most likely to take a leap.
Historically, Year 2 has been a pivotal point for quarterbacks like Carson Wentz, Patrick Mahomes, and Lamar Jackson, who all showcased star potential. Even Josh Allen demonstrated signs of future MVP-caliber play in his second season. In 2024, Bryce Young’s surprising turnaround served as a reminder that significant improvements can occur quickly. Therefore, let’s examine the quarterbacks from the 2024 draft class to assess their likelihood of making a similar impact in the upcoming 2025 season.
This article will rank these quarterbacks based on their potential for growth. We’ll analyze factors such as their rookie season performance, the support they’ve received from their teams, and their overall talent level. Who will become the next breakout star? Which football positions are set to help them do it?
Bo Nix, Broncos: Staying Steady
Bo Nix had a decent rookie season, ranking fourth among first-, second-, and third-year quarterbacks. While he showed improvement, his high adjusted completion rate was likely aided by Sean Payton’s quarterback-friendly system. He also avoided sacks, one of the most encouraging elements of his rookie campaign, aided in part by the offensive line’s football positions.
However, Nix is already 25, making him older than many of his peers. With limited additions to the Broncos’ receiving corps and backfield, a significant leap forward seems unlikely. While stability is anticipated, a franchise-altering jump isn’t foreseen. With the right help at some of the other key football positions, the story may be different.
“I don’t expect Nix to fall off. But as someone who believed his individual impact on a Denver team that made the playoffs in 2024 was slightly overrated, I don’t foresee a giant leap forward either.”
Jayden Daniels, Commanders: The Ceiling is High
Jayden Daniels impressed in his rookie season, rewriting rookie quarterback record books. His calm and explosive play helped lead the Commanders to the NFC title game. He posted a high adjusted completion percentage and excelled at scrambling and designed runs. With a high performance level already, it’s difficult to project him to be dramatically better, even with new additions like Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil. The Commanders’ offensive football positions have been solidified with Conerly Jr., which may offer incremental improvement.
His Turnover-Worthy Play rate was low, suggesting he can sustain his level of play. If Daniels improves from his rookie performance, he could enter the MVP conversation.
“While Washington’s new regime has done a marvelous job building around Daniels at the outset of his career, it will be a legitimate challenge for him to play considerably better than he did in 2024.”
Drake Maye, Patriots: Magnificent Talent
Drake Maye is a talented athlete with a strong arm and impressive athleticism. The Patriots are undergoing a franchise overhaul, adding key players like Will Campbell, Stefon Diggs, and Mack Hollins. This improved environment sets the stage for Maye to develop. The new leadership at several important football positions should offer more stability in year two.
His rookie season had flashes of brilliance mixed with inconsistencies. With an improved offensive line and better targets, a steadier Maye is expected in 2025.
Caleb Williams, Bears: The Most Likely to Leap
Despite a challenging rookie season with 10 straight losses and a league-high number of sacks, Caleb Williams showed flashes of potential. He had six games with a passer rating over 100, indicating his ability to perform well when given the opportunity. The Bears have made significant efforts to support Williams, hiring Ben Johnson as their offensive coordinator. The team has also bolstered the offensive line with additions like Joe Thuney, Drew Dalman, and Jonah Jackson, strengthening important football positions.
Additionally, the Bears drafted Luther Burden III and Colston Loveland to provide Williams with more receiving options, complementing existing targets like D.J. Moore and Cole Kmet. With the right talent and environment, Williams is poised for a major breakout in 2025.
“Williams has the inherent talent and the environment to experience a major breakout in 2025.”
The 2025 NFL season holds promise for several second-year quarterbacks, each with unique potential for growth. While Bo Nix is expected to remain steady, Jayden Daniels faces the challenge of surpassing his already impressive rookie performance. Drake Maye’s raw talent and the Patriots’ overhaul create an opportunity for significant development. However, Caleb Williams stands out as the most likely to make a major leap, thanks to the Bears’ strategic acquisitions and the guidance of Ben Johnson.
Ultimately, the success of these quarterbacks will depend on various factors, including their ability to adapt, the support they receive from their teams, and their overall talent. As the season approaches, it will be captivating to see which of these young quarterbacks will emerge as the next breakout star. Keep an eye on these rising stars in the coming year and consider the impact key football positions will have.
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