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Tag: QBs
2025 NFL mock draft 5.0: Titans take ‘generational’ talent, while QBs go 2-3 and Jets get a steal
The Super Bowl is set! The Kansas City Chiefs and Philadelphia Eagles will square off in New Orleans … and pick last in the first round of the 2025 NFL Draft.
If you’re not a fan of either team, you’re still in luck. Here’s how your squad can start making the climb to the big game.
Draft order via Tankathon. In this edition, Nate Tice makes the odd-numbered picks and Charles McDonald makes the even.
Previous mock drafts: 1.0 | 2.0 | 3.0 | 4.0
1. Tennessee Titans — Travis Hunter, CB/WR, Colorado
The Titans said they want a “generational” talent at the top of the draft, though Cam Ward would still make sense if they decide to move on from Will Levis. There’s also the possibility of adding more firepower to their defensive front with Abdul Carter, or a trade (a long-term right tackle would sure be nice). Really whatever adventure the Titans choose makes sense at the top of a wide open class. Hunter is a dynamic talent at cornerback, with even more to tap into. He would bring starpower to Tennessee’s defense and help bolster the offense in a small role, too. — Nate Tice
2. Cleveland Browns — Cam Ward, QB, Miami
The Browns are in a tough spot with Deshaun Watson’s contract looming large for the next few years, but they can at least give themselves an opportunity to move on at quarterback rather quickly with the selection of Ward. He’s a gunslinger and a player who will try to make the most of whatever the defense offers up — which ends up in mistakes sometimes. Still, he has the aggressive style to end up as a high quality NFL passer. — Charles McDonald
3. New York Giants — Shedeur Sanders, QB, Colorado
The Giants get their new QB of the future, and a player who is used to pressure, attention and bright lights. While this is a tad rich for where Sanders will end up on big boards, he’s tough, competitive, has plenty of arm strength to attack all areas of the field and can really drive on throws. QB desperation is a real thing, especially in New York.
4. New England Patriots — Will Campbell, OT, LSU
New England seemingly found its quarterback in Drake Maye, who was stellar as a rookie last season. Now, the Patriots need to find serious help on the offensive line in order to make sure he has the most help possible to see his career through. Campbell is a Day 1 starter at left tackle who will be a nice building block on New England’s mission to improve the offensive line.
5. Jacksonville Jaguars — Mason Graham, DL, Michigan
With QBs and Hunter going early, the Jaguars have talented players to select from. The Jaguars, and whatever general manager will be making this pick for them, go with the explosive Graham to add some interior disruption to their front. Jacksonville has holes at other places along the roster, but Graham is a talented player who played through injuries in 2025, and would turn the Jaguars’ front into one of the league’s better ones right away.
6. Las Vegas Raiders — Will Johnson, CB, Michigan
Johnson is probably the best player available at this point in the draft, bringing potential shutdown cornerback skills to a defense that desperately needs big-time talent on the outside.
7. New York Jets — Abdul Carter, Edge, Penn State
This would be quite the get for the Jets at No. 7. Carter has upside as a true pass rushing ace who would inject the venom back into what has been a deep unit in recent years. Carter has an explosive get-off and the bend to turn the corner on tackles. He’s still inconsistent playing the run, which means you won’t see many Carter-Will McDonald pairings on early downs, but he would keep the cupboard full of pass rushing options for Aaron Glenn and new defensive coordinator Steve Wilks.
8. Carolina Panthers — Tetairoa McMillan, WR, Arizona
Carolina got some quality play out of Bryce Young toward the end of the season and now need to keep building out the core. McMillan can be a tremendous No. 1 receiver for Young to grow with and would immediately create quality depth with young players like Xavier Legette and Jalen Coker.
Nate Tice and Charles McDonald’s 2025 NFL mock draft 5.0 is here. (Grant Thomas/Yahoo Sports) 9. New Orleans Saints—Mykel Williams, Edge, Georgia
Chase Young and Payton Turner are free agents, and Cameron Jordan is on the back nine of his career. Williams’ length and tools give him one of the highest upsides of any player in this draft class. He still needs time to tap into that upside, but there were strong glimpses and stretches this season after Williams returned from an ankle injury. On a Saints franchise without a head coach and with holes and decisions to make at essentially every position, Williams will almost certainly get the playing time to hone his talent.
10. Chicago Bears — Josh Simmons, OT, Ohio State
The Bears need offensive line help outside of right tackle, so here’s a running mate for Darnell Wright. Simmons has a chance to be a riser during the draft process considering his skills, athleticism and upside.
11. San Francisco 49ers — Armand Membou, OG/OT, Missouri
Whether it’s a new right tackle, interior help or a Trent Williams succession plan, the 49ers’ offense could use an injection of beef. Membou is a good athlete who played tackle this past year at Missouri, but could kick inside at the next level. He has long arms that can bring some pop with his blocks. Kyle Shanahan likes to ask his linemen to move and be in space, and Membou would fit in nicely somewhere.
12. Dallas Cowboys — Ashton Jeanty, RB, Boise State
Something flashy for America’s Team. Jeanty isn’t necessarily the most important player the Cowboys need coming into the draft, but he would be a great fit for their offense and most importantly, sell jerseys.
13. Miami Dolphins— Kelvin Banks, OG/OT, Texas
Banks has been the left tackle for Texas the past several years but I think his NFL future will be best kicking inside to guard. Banks is squarely built, strong and explosive. The Dolphins have multiple guards about to hit free agency and are currently without a returning starter at either spot. Banks can fit many types of offensive attacks as a guard, and would nicely fill the huge hole on Miami’s offensive line.
14. Indianapolis Colts — Tyler Warren, TE, Penn State
The Colts seem to be sticking with Anthony Richardson for another year, so here’s a dynamic athlete at tight end to make his life a little easier. For his size (6-foot-6, 261 pounds), Warren is one of the most impressive athletes in the country and will open up the playbook for Colts head coach Shane Steichen.
15. Atlanta Falcons — Kenneth Grant, DT, Michigan
Grant is a monster in the middle whose best football is in front of him. He has excellent size (6-3, 340 pounds) and is very good against the run, but isn’t just a plugger. While the Falcons desperately need pass rushers (as has been the case for over a decade), Grant is an easy mover who can be disruptive. He needs work harnessing his tools.
16. Arizona Cardinals — Jalon Walker, Edge/LB, Georgia
Walker is the perfect player for how the Cardinals have liked playing defense. He’s an amoeba-like defender who can play a whole bunch of roles and excels as a blitzer moving fast downhill. Walker may not be a classic edge, but that’s a good fit for Arizona.
17. Cincinnati Bengals — Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss
The Bengals need to address their leakiness against the run this offseason, and that begins up the spine of their defense. Nolen is another athletic defensive tackle in this class who is especially disruptive on twists and games. He still has to harness his ability to impact plays more consistently, but he can create edginess and explosive plays for a defense that desperately needs it.
18. Seattle Seahawks — Tyler Booker, OL, Alabama
Klint Kubiak’s scheme is going to run the damn ball and Seattle’s offensive line didn’t necessarily make that the easiest task this season. Booker would be an immediate starter along the line for a group that desperately needs talent.
19. Tampa Bay Buccaneers — Jihaad Campbell, LB, Alabama
This has been one of my favorite pairings on these mock drafts. General manager Jason Licht does a great job of addressing current and soon-to-be holes at positions. Lavonte David is a franchise legend, but inside linebacker is looking like one of those positions in Tampa Bay. Campbell has excellent size (6-3, 244 pounds) with real two-way potential. He can get downhill in the run game, but is fluid enough to turn and run in coverage. His experience as a blitzer will also translate nicely in Todd Bowles’ defense.
20. Denver Broncos — Shemar Stewart, DL, Texas A&M
The Broncos’ defense is close to being the elite, all-round unit they wanted to be in 2024, but they just need some more help along the defensive line. Stewart has upside through the roof, but is still a little rough around the edges.
21. Pittsburgh Steelers — Emeka Egbuka, WR, Ohio State
Outside of a long-term answer at QB, the Steelers desperately need another pass catcher to pair with George Pickens. Egbuka is a coach’s dream of a player: He is good at essentially every aspect of playing the receiver position, plays hard and is an excellent blocker. While the Steelers have shied away from taking receivers in the first round, Egbuka feels like a Steelers receiver with his ability to play inside and out, along with his toughness that would fit perfectly in Arthur Smith’s offense.
22. Los Angeles Chargers — Shavon Revel Jr., CB, ECU
The Chargers’ defense needs a blue-chip player at cornerback and there might not be a better option at this point than Revel. He missed all of last season with a torn ACL, but he has the prototypical size (6-3, 193 pounds) and speed to grow into a No. 1 cornerback.
23. Green Bay Packers — Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
With center Josh Myers hitting free agency, the Packers could be doing some shuffling along their offensive line, which could have them looking to adding to their line room again early in the draft. Conerly improved rapidly as the season went along, especially with his strength and ability to anchor as well as using his hands more consistently. Conerly has the length and athleticism to stay out at either tackle spot, and could give the Packers another option with pedigree to get their “best five” out there.
24. Buffalo Bills (via Minnesota Vikings) — Luther Burden III, WR, Missouri
Trade! The Bills jump up to get Burden, who may be a steal at this point in the draft. The Bills could use another wide receiver to make life easier for Josh Allen and they get another quality target here.
25. Houston Texans — Colston Loveland, TE, Michigan
The Texans absolutely, desperately need offensive line help. But they have invested heavily already into the position and I think stronger coaching at that position will help them get better performances in the near future. I instead address the Texans’ pass-catching group that looks more depleted after Tank Dell’s gruesome injury and Stefon Diggs’ upcoming free agency. Dalton Schultz is as solid as they come at tight end, but Loveland is even more dynamic as a pass catcher, with the ability to split out that could make for some fun synergy with star Nico Collins in a fun 1-2 punch for C.J. Stroud.
26. Los Angeles Rams — Matthew Golden, WR, Texas
Golden has been a late riser over the past few months as he had a big hand in Texas’ playoff run in January. He’s got big-play ability downfield and could be a nice complement for Puka Nacua for the long haul.
27. Baltimore Ravens — Malaki Starks, S, Georgia
Another safety falling to the Ravens? Starks is a versatile back-end player who would give Baltimore even more flexibility in its defensive back room. The Ravens love to rotate their players after the snap, and Starks’ ability to line up deep or in the slot would give the coaches another option to move their players around.
28. Detroit Lions — Mike Green, Edge, Marshall
Pass rush, pass rush, pass rush. Green is a quality defender off the edge and has the makings of one of those small-school players who ends up in a great spot. Detroit needs juice along the defensive line and Green joining a healthy line would give the Lions a hellacious front.
29. Washington Commanders — James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee
The Commanders’ front seven was essentially built out of their talented defensive tackles and a bunch of other guns for hire. Pearce’s pass rush-first style will actually fit well with Dan Quinn’s 120-mph-at-all-times style. He still needs to work on his consistency in impacting the game.
30. Minnesota Vikings (via Buffalo Bills) — Derrick Harmon, DT, Oregon
The Vikings had a great defense without many great players, particularly along the interior of the defensive line. Harmon gives Minnesota a chance to find that impact defensive tackle.
31. Philadelphia Eagles — Aireontae Ersery, OT, Minnesota
The Eagles’ offensive line factory keeps on churning. Ersery has dozens of starts under his belt at left tackle, but could be an eventual successor to Lane Johnson on the right side. Mekhi Becton has been a fun rental and project for Jeff Stoutland, but Ersery could even fill that spot if Johnson wants to hold off on his retirement for a bit longer.
32. Kansas City Chiefs — Marcus Mbow, OT/OG, Purdue
Kansas City is starting a Caliendo in the Super Bowl and it might as well be Frank. They need to spam picks along the offensive line — especially with the potential (likely?) departure of guard Trey Smith in free agency.
The 2025 NFL mock draft 5.0 is here, and it’s shaping up to be one for the ages. In this latest edition, the Tennessee Titans have landed a ‘generational’ talent with the first overall pick, while quarterbacks go 2-3 and the New York Jets manage to snag a steal later on in the first round.With the first overall pick, the Titans have selected a player who is being hailed as a once-in-a-lifetime talent. This prospect is a game-changer on both sides of the ball and is sure to make an immediate impact in the NFL.
As for the quarterbacks, teams are looking to secure their future by taking signal-callers early in the draft. The second and third picks see two highly-touted QB prospects off the board, with both players expected to compete for starting jobs right away.
But perhaps the biggest surprise of the draft comes when the Jets make their selection. Despite picking later in the first round, New York manages to land a player who many experts believe has top-10 talent. This steal could prove to be a game-changer for the Jets as they continue their rebuild.
Overall, the 2025 NFL mock draft 5.0 is shaping up to be one of the most exciting drafts in recent memory. With top talent at every position, teams are sure to find the future stars of the league in this year’s draft class. Stay tuned for more updates as the draft approaches.
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Packers promoting former NFL QB Sean Mannion to QBs coach
The Green Bay Packers are promoting offensive assistant coach and former NFL quarterback Sean Mannion to quarterbacks coach, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.
Long-time quarterbacks coach Tom Clements is retiring from football following the 2024 season, which opened the position in Green Bay.
Mannion, 32, was added to the Packers coaching staff as a first-time assistant helping in the quarterback room ahead of the 2024 season.
When hiring Mannion last year, coach Matt LaFleur said he thought the veteran quarterback was excellent in the backup role as a player and had a “bright future” as a coach at the NFL level.
LaFleur picked Mannion over Connor Lewis, the assistant quarterbacks coach.
Mannion was a third-round pick out of Oregon State in 2015. He played nine seasons in the NFL, mostly as a backup. He appeared in 14 games and made three starts.
Interestingly enough, the Packers beat out the Chicago Bears to hire Mannion last year. He interviewed with the Bears but eventually agreed to join LaFleur and the Packers as an assistant. The Bears turned over their coaching staff following the 2024 season, and now Mannion has a promotion to quarterbacks coach in Green Bay.
The Packers also hired former Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington as the new defensive line coach, so the major openings on LaFleur’s staff have now been filled.
The Green Bay Packers have announced that former NFL quarterback Sean Mannion will be promoted to quarterbacks coach for the upcoming season. Mannion, who played for the Minnesota Vikings and Los Angeles Rams, will bring his expertise and experience to help develop the Packers’ quarterbacks.Mannion has worked closely with Green Bay’s quarterbacks during his time as a coaching assistant and has impressed the coaching staff with his knowledge of the game and ability to communicate effectively with players. His promotion is seen as a natural progression in his coaching career and a testament to the impact he has had on the team.
Packers head coach Matt LaFleur expressed his confidence in Mannion’s abilities, stating, “Sean has shown a strong understanding of the quarterback position and has a great rapport with our players. I have no doubt that he will excel in his new role and help our quarterbacks continue to grow and develop.”
Mannion’s promotion is expected to further solidify the Packers’ quarterback room and provide valuable guidance to the team’s young signal-callers. Fans are eager to see how Mannion’s coaching will impact the team and are hopeful for a successful season under his leadership.
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Packers promoting former NFL QB Sean Mannion to QBs coach
The Green Bay Packers are promoting offensive assistant coach and former NFL quarterback Sean Mannion to quarterbacks coach, according to Rob Demovsky of ESPN.
Long-time quarterbacks coach Tom Clements is retiring from football following the 2024 season, which opened the position in Green Bay.
Mannion, 32, was added to the Packers coaching staff as a first-time assistant helping in the quarterback room ahead of the 2024 season.
When hiring Mannion last year, coach Matt LaFleur said he thought the veteran quarterback was excellent in the backup role as a player and had a “bright future” as a coach at the NFL level.
LaFleur picked Mannion over Connor Lewis, the assistant quarterbacks coach.
Mannion was a third-round pick out of Oregon State in 2015. He played nine seasons in the NFL, mostly as a backup. He appeared in 14 games and made three starts.
Interestingly enough, the Packers beat out the Chicago Bears to hire Mannion last year. He interviewed with the Bears but eventually agreed to join LaFleur and the Packers as an assistant. The Bears turned over their coaching staff following the 2024 season, and now Mannion has a promotion to quarterbacks coach in Green Bay.
The Packers also hired former Patriots defensive coordinator DeMarcus Covington as the new defensive line coach, so the major openings on LaFleur’s staff have now been filled.
The Green Bay Packers have made a coaching move that has fans buzzing with excitement. Former NFL quarterback Sean Mannion has been promoted to quarterbacks coach, a role that will see him working closely with the team’s signal-callers to help them reach their full potential.Mannion, who played for the Los Angeles Rams, Minnesota Vikings, and Seattle Seahawks during his NFL career, has always been praised for his football IQ and leadership skills. Now, he will bring that knowledge and experience to the Packers’ coaching staff.
Head coach Matt LaFleur had high praise for Mannion, saying, “Sean has a deep understanding of the game and a great ability to communicate and teach. We believe he will be a valuable asset to our quarterbacks room and help elevate the play of our young quarterbacks.”
Packers fans are eager to see how Mannion’s coaching will impact the team’s quarterbacks, including rising star Jordan Love. With Mannion’s guidance, the future looks bright for the Packers’ passing game.
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Is Carson Wentz starting? Exploring Chiefs QBs’ status for AFC championship game
Kansas City Chiefs are preparing for their pivotal AFC Championship game against the Buffalo Bills. Patrick Mahomes remains the undisputed starter, but backup quarterback Carson Wentz stands ready should any unexpected scenario unfold.
The stakes couldn’t be higher for the Chiefs. They’re chasing NFL history with a potential third consecutive Super Bowl victory – a feat never accomplished in league history. The team’s phenomenal 15-2 regular season record shows Mahomes’ continued dominance, despite experiencing statistical challenges this season.
While Mahomes is set to lead the charge, Wentz represents a critical contingency plan for the Chiefs’ championship aspirations. His recent performance, however, raises questions about potential game readiness.
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NFL: AFC Divisional Round-Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs – Source: Imagn Looking to predict NFL playoff Scenarios? Try our NFL Playoff Predictor for real-time simulations and stay ahead of the game!
Carson Wentz’s underwhelming start against Broncos
NFL: Kansas City Chiefs at Denver Broncos – Source: Imagn In the regular-season finale against the Denver Broncos, Carson Wentz‘s showing was far from stellar. The former North Dakota State quarterback struggled, throwing for fewer than 100 yards in a comprehensive 38-0 loss.
“We didn’t play great as a team. I didn’t play my best, either,” said Wentz said after the game.
Playing against the Broncos fighting for playoff positioning, he struggled to generate offensive momentum. The game featured multiple backup players since key players were rested.
The quarterback’s assessment remained measured.
“It was fun to get out there, give myself and a lot of guys a chance to just go out there and compete,” Wentz said
The matchup against the Buffalo Bills carries additional significance. This game represents a rematch of one of the Chiefs’ two regular-season losses – a 30-21 defeat on November 17th. Josh Allen, the Bills’ quarterback and MVP favorite, stands as Mahomes’ primary rival in what promises to be an electrifying contest.
Mahomes’ journey this season has been anything but conventional. But his career-low passing yards (3,928) and touchdowns (26) haven’t deterred his leadership.
The game kicks off with immense implications. The Chiefs seek to etch their name in NFL history, while the Bills aim to disrupt their championship dreams.
Edited by Krutik Jain
As the AFC championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Cincinnati Bengals approaches, one question looms large for Chiefs fans: Is Carson Wentz starting at quarterback?The status of the Chiefs’ quarterbacks has been a topic of much speculation leading up to the big game. Patrick Mahomes, the team’s star quarterback, suffered a toe injury in the divisional round game against the Buffalo Bills. While Mahomes was able to finish the game, there have been concerns about his mobility and effectiveness heading into the championship game.
In the event that Mahomes is unable to play, Carson Wentz could potentially step in as the starting quarterback for the Chiefs. Wentz, who was acquired by the Chiefs in a trade with the Indianapolis Colts earlier this season, has experience as a starting quarterback in the NFL and could provide a solid backup option for the team.
However, it remains to be seen whether Wentz will indeed start in place of Mahomes. Head coach Andy Reid has been tight-lipped about the quarterback situation, leading to speculation and uncertainty among fans and analysts.
As the game draws near, all eyes will be on the Chiefs’ quarterback situation. Will it be Mahomes leading the team to victory, or will Wentz be called upon to step up in his absence? Chiefs fans will have to wait until game day to find out.
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Report: Texans interview Bucs QBs coach Thad Lewis
Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis has interviewed for the Texans’ offensive coordinator job, Ian Rapoport of NFL Media reports.
Lewis received several requests for offensive coordinator interviews but declined the others, per Rapoport.
Lewis and DeMeco Ryans were teammates with the 2015 Eagles.
Lewis spent time with eight teams over eight seasons in his playing career as a quarterback. Immediately after retiring as a player, Lewis began coaching.
He spent two seasons at UCLA (2018-19) as an offensive analyst under Chip Kelly before interning with the Bucs in 2020.
Lewis was the assistant wide receivers coach in Tampa Bay in 2021-22 before a promotion to quarterbacks coach in 2023.
The Texans are seeking to replace Bobby Slowik, who was fired last week, and the presence of franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud makes the job an attractive one.
The Houston Texans have reportedly interviewed Tampa Bay Buccaneers quarterbacks coach Thad Lewis for their vacant head coaching position.Lewis, who has been with the Buccaneers since 2019, has worked closely with star quarterback Tom Brady and played a key role in his success with the team. Before joining the Buccaneers, Lewis had stints as a quarterbacks coach with the Buffalo Bills and as an offensive assistant with the Los Angeles Chargers.
The Texans are in the market for a new head coach after parting ways with David Culley following just one season. Lewis is seen as a rising star in the coaching ranks and his work with Brady has garnered attention around the league.
It remains to be seen if Lewis will ultimately land the Texans head coaching job, but his interview is a sign of the team’s interest in bringing in a fresh perspective to lead the team. Stay tuned for more updates on the Texans’ coaching search.
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2025 Senior Bowl: Top NFL draft prospects, QBs, predictions
It’s Senior Bowl week, with top prospects in the 2025 NFL draft taking the practice field in Mobile, Alabama, for three days starting Tuesday. The annual invite-only showcase concludes with a game Saturday (2:30 p.m. ET, NFL Network) and allows all 32 NFL teams to get face time with more than 100 prospects. In the past, the event was reserved for seniors and juniors with undergraduate degrees, but a rule change last year opened it up to juniors who have declared for the draft.
There are two-hour practice sessions on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. You can check out coverage of practice Wednesday and Thursday at 10:30 a.m. ET on ESPNU/ESPN App, and then at 1 p.m. ET on ESPN2/ESPN App.
NFL draft analysts Matt Miller, Jordan Reid and Field Yates will be on hand, and we asked them to break down the top names to watch — including the quarterbacks in attendance — and what those prospects need to show this week. Our crew also picked potential risers and made predictions for what will happen over the next week. (Be sure to check back all week on ESPN.com for top risers and standouts.) Let’s dive in.
Jump to a section:
Top prospects | Potential risers
QBs to watch | Biggest questions
Our predictionsWhich prospect are you most excited to see in Mobile?
The 2025 Senior Bowl is right around the corner, and football fans are buzzing with excitement to see the top NFL draft prospects in action. With a talented pool of quarterbacks set to showcase their skills, the competition is sure to be fierce.Here are some of the top quarterback prospects to keep an eye on during the Senior Bowl:
1. Trevor Lawrence (Clemson) – Lawrence is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft class. With his strong arm, accuracy, and football IQ, Lawrence has the potential to be a franchise quarterback at the next level.
2. Spencer Rattler (Oklahoma) – Rattler has been a standout player for the Sooners and is poised to make a big impression at the Senior Bowl. With his dual-threat ability and playmaking skills, Rattler is a player to watch.
3. Malik Willis (Liberty) – Willis has been a rising star in college football and is generating buzz as a potential first-round pick. With his arm strength, mobility, and leadership qualities, Willis has the tools to succeed in the NFL.
In addition to the quarterbacks, there are several other top prospects to watch at the Senior Bowl, including standout wide receivers, defensive linemen, and defensive backs.
As for predictions, it’s always tough to predict how players will perform in a showcase like the Senior Bowl. However, with the level of talent on display, fans can expect to see some impressive performances from the top prospects.
Stay tuned for more updates on the 2025 Senior Bowl and be sure to tune in to see the future stars of the NFL in action.
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2025 NFL Mock Draft: Tom Brady helps Raiders orchestrate huge trade up as QBs taken with top-three picks
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
9th
POSITION RNK
2nd
PAYDS
4134
RUYDS
-50
INTS
10
TDS
41
We cannot rule out the possibility of the Raiders — and new minority owner Tom Brady — making an aggressive push to draft Shedeur Sanders. There’s a chance Sanders’ connection with Brady will make it too dicey for Las Vegas to simply hope and wait for him to fall to No. 6 overall.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
4th
POSITION RNK
1st
PAYDS
4313
RUYDS
204
INTS
7
TDS
43
Cam Ward has some footwork issues to clean up but does have quality improvisational skill and improved from in the pocket in each of his last three seasons in college. The Browns HAVE to draft a quarterback, right?
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
45th
POSITION RNK
3rd
PAYDS
2844
RUYDS
726
INTS
11
TDS
36
Semi nightmare for the Giants, but Jalen Milroe has freaky talent and is an ascending thrower. Another high-upside passer for Brian Daboll.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
1st
POSITION RNK
1st
REC
96
REYDS
1258
YDS/REC
13.1
TDS
16
Travis Hunter to the Patriots would be tremendous for everyone involved. New England gets a ridiculous two-way player, and Hunter can be featured prominently right away.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
2nd
POSITION RNK
1st
The Jaguars have to get more talent into the secondary. Will Johnson checks the boxes for a lockdown No. 1 cornerback.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
3rd
POSITION RNK
1st
A trade that works out for both sides. The Titans get a freaky specimen on the edge — which is a major need — and, along with this pick, the Raiders’ 2026 first-round pick, their 2027 first-rounder, their second-round pick in 2025 and only send back a fourth-round pick this year with No. 1 overall.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
7th
POSITION RNK
1st
The youth movement at offensive tackle continues for the Jets with the cleanest offensive tackle in the class.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
6th
POSITION RNK
1st
REC
84
REYDS
1319
YDS/REC
15.7
TDS
8
Tetairoa McMillan would give Bryce Young a serious rebounder on the perimeter, which is exactly what he needs.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
12th
POSITION RNK
2nd
REC
61
REYDS
676
YDS/REC
11.1
TDS
8
Stat-wise, Luther Burden III didn’t have a tremendous 2024, but his traits are fantastic. He’s sudden, runs crisp routes, and bounces off tackles on a routine basis after the catch. And he tracks it effortlessly downfield. Another weapon for Derek Carr. It’s needed.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
10th
POSITION RNK
1st
RUYDS
2601
YDS/ATT
7
REYDS
138
TDS
30
How about a scenario in which the Cowboys don’t draft Ashton Jeanty … and Ben Johnson and the Bears land the premier running back in this class?
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
18th
POSITION RNK
1st
REC
104
REYDS
1233
YDS/REC
11.9
TDS
12
If he can’t pick Jeanty, I still expect Jerry Jones to want to make a splash in Round 1, and the 6-foot-6, 260-pound Tyler Warren with impeccable receiving skills would be just that.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
14th
POSITION RNK
1st
Malaki Starks would give the Dolphins another premier playmaker at the safety spot who will contribute on three downs in a big way. He’ll probably re-sign, but Jevon Holland is a free agent.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
32nd
POSITION RNK
3rd
REC
81
REYDS
1011
YDS/REC
12.5
TDS
10
Emeka Egbuka can win down the field with speed and plus ball-tracking, and his blocking prowess would mesh well with the Colts’ offensive identity.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
25th
POSITION RNK
7th
Jalon Walker is a do-everything linebacker/edge hybrid who’d be a welcomed addition to Atlanta’s relatively weak second level.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
5th
POSITION RNK
1st
The Cardinals get a premier interior pass rusher in the middle of Round 1.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
24th
POSITION RNK
3rd
The Bengals have to get nastier up front, and Kenneth Grant is a ball of energy with quality skill to disrupt the backfield.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
29th
POSITION RNK
1st
Tyler Booker is an NFL-ready guard who’d bolster the Seahawks’ run-game woes from 2024.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
15th
POSITION RNK
4th
The Buccaneers need to add more juice to the outside of their pass-rushing unit. They get a versatile, uniquely talented rusher in Nic Scourton.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
42nd
POSITION RNK
4th
Jahdae Barron has the plus man-coverage skills Vance Joseph will love across from Patrick Surtain II.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
52nd
POSITION RNK
6th
Benjamin Morrison is simply too sudden for the Steelers to pass on him here. He’ll be an instant starter in Pittsburgh across from Joey Porter Jr.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
36th
POSITION RNK
7th
The Packers get a gifted upfield rusher who also held his own against the run on a quality South Carolina defensive front in 2024.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
19th
POSITION RNK
2nd
Before his injury, Shavon Revel felt like a first-round lock. With his injury occurring so early in the 2024 season, the Vikings are fine selecting him here. He’s long, uber-talented and comes with plus ball skills.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
8th
POSITION RNK
2nd
The Texans simply need more offensive line talent up front to better protect C.J. Stroud. Kelvin Banks Jr. had a fantastic season in pass protection for the Longhorns.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
22nd
POSITION RNK
4th
The Rams get an under control right tackle to eventually be the heir apparent to the super-reliable Rob Havenstein.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
34th
POSITION RNK
7th
With Ronnie Stanley set to hit free agency, the Ravens get a thick but balanced left tackle, adding another huge blocker from the University of Minnesota to the offensive line.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
71st
POSITION RNK
12th
Green needs to add weight and power to his game — the rest of his profile looks first-round caliber. The burst and flattening ability are tremendous.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
86th
POSITION RNK
4th
Given Bobby Wagner’s age, Dan Quinn looks for the next quarterback of his defense, and Carson Schwesinger will probably be the consensus top off-ball linebacker in the class.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
33rd
POSITION RNK
5th
This would be another Greg Rousseau-type project for the Bills, because Shemar Stewart is young and raw but a ridiculous specimen on the outside.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
13th
POSITION RNK
3rd
This is a Georgia defensive lineman available for the Eagles in the first round. Howie Roseman adds another Bulldog to the front.
Projected Team
PROSPECT RNK
74th
POSITION RNK
7th
REC
58
REYDS
987
YDS/REC
17
TDS
9
Back-to-back first-round receivers for the Chiefs, as they pick up a speedster with good polish in Matthew Golden.
In a stunning turn of events, the 2025 NFL Mock Draft has shaken up the league as Tom Brady, now retired from playing, has stepped into a new role as the orchestrator of a major trade for the Las Vegas Raiders.With the top three picks in the draft all going to quarterback-needy teams, the Raiders were determined to make a bold move to secure their future franchise signal-caller. Brady, who has transitioned into a front office role with the Raiders, used his influence and connections to orchestrate a massive trade up the draft board.
In a blockbuster deal, the Raiders traded up from their original spot at No. 12 to the third overall pick, giving up a package of future draft picks and players to make the move. With the third pick in hand, the Raiders selected their quarterback of the future, landing a top prospect who they believe can lead them to success for years to come.
Meanwhile, the first two picks in the draft saw quarterbacks go off the board, with highly touted prospects going to teams in need of a franchise signal-caller. The top three picks being quarterbacks marks a historic moment in NFL draft history, showcasing the importance of the position in today’s game.
As the draft unfolds, the Raiders look to build a strong foundation around their new quarterback, with Brady leading the charge in the front office. With his unparalleled experience and knowledge of the game, Brady is determined to bring a championship to Las Vegas and solidify his legacy as one of the greatest football minds in the game.
Overall, the 2025 NFL Mock Draft has set the stage for an exciting new era in the league, with quarterbacks taking center stage and teams making bold moves to secure their future success. With Brady at the helm, the Raiders are poised to make a splash and compete at the highest level in the years to come.
Tags:
- 2025 NFL Mock Draft
- Tom Brady
- Raiders
- Trade up
- Quarterbacks
- Top-three picks
- NFL draft
- Future draft predictions
- Tom Brady in 2025
- NFL trade rumors
#NFL #Mock #Draft #Tom #Brady #helps #Raiders #orchestrate #huge #trade #QBs #topthree #picks
Ranking the starting QBs in the AFC, NFC Championship games
We’re mere hours away from finding out who will make the 2025 Super Bowl as the Kansas City Chiefs and the Buffalo Bills square off in the AFC championship game and the Washington Commanders take on the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC championship. Both matchups present a multitude of storylines.
Will Bills quarterback Josh Allen finally get past Patrick Mahomes in the postseason? Do the Commanders have enough defensively to stop Eagles running back Saquon Barkley? Is this the end of Jayden Daniels’ magical rookie season, or will he cement his status as the sport’s next big star?
Rohan Nadkarni and Andrew Greif of NBC News and Patrick Daugherty of NBC Sports answer those questions and more ahead of the conference title games Sunday.
Rank the four quarterbacks.
Nadkarni: Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen, Jayden Daniels, Jalen Hurts
I would rather be behind the curve as opposed to ahead of the curve when it comes to doubting Mahomes. So even with his and the Chiefs’ relatively pedestrian offensive numbers this year, in the game’s biggest moments, there is no question for me: I want Mahomes.
Allen has been great this year, especially when it comes to protecting the football. Some of the best plays he made in the Bills’ win over the Ravens were the plays he didn’t — no forced throws, no ill-advised laterals. Combine his newfound risk avoidance with his running and throwing talent, he’s a clear second for me.
Daniels vs. Hurts is where it gets interesting. I’d take the Eagles’ offense overall, but quarterback vs. quarterback? If one of Daniels or Hurts needs to win a shootout, I trust Daniels more in pure passing situations.
Greif: Daniels, Mahomes, Allen, Hurts
Not to be a prisoner of the moment, but Daniels is currently having one heck of a moment. Among the four quarterbacks left, the Commanders rookie has completed the second-highest percentage of passes, taken the fewest sacks, thrown for the most yards per game and has the best touchdown-to-interception ratio. One rating, ESPN’s “QBR,” rates him virtually perfect on third and fourth downs. Most importantly, Daniels also leads the category of “player you least want to see right now.”
Mahomes’ statistical sag during the regular season — he posted worse-than-career-average marks in rating, the percentage of passes that went for touchdowns and interceptions and threw for fewer than 4,000 yards for the first time since he became a starter six years ago — has continued in the postseason. And yet, try watching his improvised touchdown pass to Travis Kelce last week, thrown perfectly through Houston’s zone while Mahomes was falling down, and believe he won’t find a way to win. Mahomes has won his last six home playoff games and 11 of his last 12, dating to 2019.
This is nothing to take away from Allen, who can shape-shift into whatever the Bills need to get the job done, whether as a passer or a runner. Half of his 18 carries in the postseason have resulted in first downs.
Daugherty: Mahomes, Allen, Daniels, Hurts
No. 1 is Mahomes until proven otherwise. Although Mahomes’ play has gone from scintillating to workmanlike amid the Chiefs’ receiver shortage, it has remained devastatingly effective at winning football games. Not even Tom Brady was executing at this high a level during his peak. It’s still possible the Chiefs’ lack of big plays dooms them in the end this year, but Mahomes’ impact will continue to cover every inch of the field for K.C.
Second has to be Allen. Allen became more Mahomes-like in 2024 as he cut out the turnovers and deep shots and focused more on play-to-play productivity. The results so far include his first AFC championship game appearance in four years. Allen has essentially become Cam Newton, only with the efficiency dial turned up to 11. He is not going to be the reason the Bills lose. He could very well be the sole reason they win.
Third — famous last words — is Daniels. Preternaturally calm for any quarterback, Daniels is supernatural in his poise and execution for a rookie. With the entire Commanders franchise on his shoulders, Daniels has converted seemingly 100 straight fourth downs. Which brings us to the two main problems for the rookie: It’s all on him, and no one can run this hot forever. The Commanders may still be a year early. But at this point, no one should be surprised if Daniels simply never cools off and the Commanders hoist their first Lombardi Trophy since before the internet.
Last and begrudgingly least is Hurts, who already appeared to be at less than 100% health heading into the divisional round. Now he seems somewhere closer to 50%. Struggling to threaten downfield for most of the second half of the season, Hurts has become too much of a mono threat to win games on his own. The beautiful part about the Eagles is that he has plenty of help. He just needs more of it right now than the other three quarterbacks on this list.
Under-the-radar storyline
Nadkarni: The Commanders’ fourth-down aggressiveness is coming close to flying above the radar, but I think their coaching strategy has been on point during the postseason. After attempting five fourth-down conversions in the wild-card round, Washington went for it four more times on fourth against the Detroit Lions in the divisional round. If the Commanders are going to pull off an upset on the road this week as a significant underdog, then continuing to employ a bold fourth-down strategy will go a long way.
And it will especially be important against an Eagles team that likes to play keepaway with the football. Philly’s rushing attack can skew time of possession pretty quickly. If Washington remains aggressive and can keep an extra drive or two alive, that will go a long way in the Commanders’ upsetting yet another team.
Greif: Buffalo has its best chance to break its three-game postseason losing streak to Kansas City because it holds on to the ball to a historic degree. It is the first team in NFL history to go four consecutive playoff games — dating to last season — without a turnover, according to NFL research, and has a chance to become the first team ever to make a Super Bowl while committing fewer than 10 turnovers all season. If it can play clean football, it will give itself more opportunities to finally take down the Chiefs.
Daugherty: Kansas City running back Isiah Pacheco doesn’t appear anywhere close to 100% healthy for the Chiefs. That’s bad news for a team committed to grinding games out until it can get back to free agency and the draft and throw more darts at its receiver corps.
At some point, someone other than Mahomes and Travis Kelce is going to have to make a big play for the Chiefs. It doesn’t really look possible out of the backfield right now, and that could be too much to overcome for even the best player in the league against a Bills team that isn’t going to make the charitable contributions the Chiefs have become used to receiving from overawed opponents this season.
Which non-QB (besides Saquon Barkley) will have the biggest impact this weekend?
Nadkarni: Chiefs defensive tackle Chris Jones may not be the most popular name associated with the Kansas City dynasty, but he’s one of the most important pieces of the team’s overall success. Don’t let the lack of insurance commercials or podcast clips fool you; Jones is as integral a part of the Chiefs’ winning as the Mahomes-to-Kelce connection.
Jones is primed for a monster performance against Buffalo on Sunday. At the very least, Kansas City is going to need one from him to advance. The Bills’ offensive line is rock solid, and it helped key their rushing success against the Baltimore Ravens in the divisional round. Jones is not only going to play a role in slowing down the run. If he’s able to generate pressure lined up over the middle, that could neutralize some of Allen’s scrambling ability.
Greif: Jalen Carter, Philadelphia defensive tackle. Carter’s third-down sack and fourth-down pressure of the Rams’ Matthew Stafford helped seal the Eagles’ victory in the divisional round, and he also has three passes defended in the postseason. Now, Carter faces a Commanders offensive line missing starting guard Sam Cosmi, who injured a knee last week. An Eagles victory hinges partly on getting to the Commanders’ Daniels, and if the Eagles can get pressure with just their defensive front, it will allow their linebackers to spy on Daniels or drop into coverage.
Daugherty: The answer is always Kelce. All it took for him to look back in Hall of Fame form was for the playoff lights to come on. The question is if that will be enough for the Chiefs. Teams are resigned to Kelce moving the chains and soaking up looks in the red zone. The Bills can probably still win if it’s only Kelce trying to drag Mahomes along to a third straight Super Bowl victory.
Who makes the Super Bowl?
Nadkarni: Chiefs and Eagles. Mahomes stays the king of the AFC. And Philly’s experience in big games finally catches up to the Commanders.
Greif: Philadelphia will beat Washington in the NFC because the Commanders’ defense has been leaky (allowing 25.5 points per game in the postseason, 9.5 more than Philadelphia), while the Eagles have ranked among the league’s elite defenses all season; by one metric, they stand tied for the league lead in allowing the lowest success rate.
Picking the AFC feels like splitting hairs. But until the Chiefs are knocked off in their quest for an unprecedented third consecutive Super Bowl title, Kansas City remains the choice to win in Vegas and in my estimation, too. Defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo’s unit sacked Texans QB C.J. Stroud eight times in last week’s divisional round and pressured him on half of his dropbacks, according to NFL’s Next Gen Stats. Can it make life hard for Josh Allen, too?
Daugherty: I’ve become something of a Chiefs dead-ender. Even at their lowest ebb last year, I remained confident of their Super Bowl favoritism. They’re 16-1 in games where they’ve tried this season. I just don’t think it’s their year. This could be the last opening the Chiefs ever leave for the Bills. I expect Allen and Co. to walk through it.
In the NFC, I believe the Commanders have finally met their match. You don’t have to go too far back to find the last time Daniels torched Philly — Dec. 22. But that was in Washington and mostly sans Hurts, who left the game early with a concussion. For as impressive as Washington has been and as banged up as Hurts has become, the Commanders simply can’t compete with the Eagles on a 1-to-53 basis even if they own the No. 1 spot with Daniels. I like the Eagles to dictate the terms Tampa Bay and Detroit could not and for Philly to advance to face Buffalo in New Orleans.
With the AFC and NFC Championship games upon us, it’s time to take a look at the starting quarterbacks who will be leading their teams into battle. Let’s rank the QBs based on their performance this season and their potential impact on their respective games.1. Patrick Mahomes (Kansas City Chiefs) – Mahomes is arguably the best quarterback in the league right now and has proven time and time again that he can lead his team to victory. His combination of arm talent, mobility, and football IQ makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses.
2. Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills) – Allen has taken a huge leap forward this season and has solidified himself as one of the top young quarterbacks in the league. His ability to make plays with his arm and his legs will be crucial for the Bills against the Chiefs.
3. Aaron Rodgers (Green Bay Packers) – Rodgers is a future Hall of Famer and has been playing at an MVP level this season. His ability to dissect defenses and make big plays in crucial moments will be key for the Packers in their matchup against the Buccaneers.
4. Tom Brady (Tampa Bay Buccaneers) – Brady may be in the twilight of his career, but he has shown that he can still perform at a high level in big games. His experience and leadership will be crucial for the Buccaneers as they try to upset the Packers.
Overall, the AFC and NFC Championship games are set to feature some of the top quarterbacks in the league, and it will be exciting to see how they perform in these high-stakes matchups.
Tags:
- AFC Championship game
- NFC Championship game
- Starting QBs
- NFL playoffs
- Quarterback rankings
- AFC quarterbacks
- NFC quarterbacks
- Championship game matchups
- Football playoffs
- AFC vs NFC quarterbacks
#Ranking #starting #QBs #AFC #NFC #Championship #games
In Jayden Daniels, Washington’s Super Bowl-winning QBs see one of their own
When he first arrived in Washington, Mark Rypien quickly realized who was the most powerful person in town. And no, it wasn’t the president of the United States.
“It was the quarterback,” the MVP of Super Bowl XXVI said.
Rypien may be joking, but only to a point. At the once-storied organization’s peak, only a select few captured the city’s attention and brought an aura to the nation’s capital. They weren’t simply winners. They played for the NFL’s model franchise.
Hall of Famer Sonny Jurgensen was the first to experience this phenomenon. Jayden Daniels is the latest.
As laser-focused as he is, Daniels said he hasn’t had time to notice the fans and alumni still celebrating the franchise’s Sunday night playoff victory. But as the rookie quarterback and his Washington Commanders prepare for Saturday’s showdown with the Detroit Lions, three men with insight into Daniels’ situation are paying attention.
GO DEEPER
Hope is dangerous in D.C., but Jayden Daniels has the Commanders believing
Living through that Super Bowl era made the next three-plus decades unimaginable for Rypien and countless others who still “bleed burgundy and gold.” The 1991 team finished with a 14-2 regular-season record. Over the next 32 years, no other edition won even 11 games, something every other NFL franchise achieved in that stretch.
“No, I wouldn’t have fathomed a single ounce of that statement in 1991,” Rypien said.
There were glimmers of hope at quarterback in between. None stuck. After 1991, Washington started 35 quarterbacks over the next 32 years. Joe Theismann, a local and national voice following his career, watched them all.
“What quarterback has been the face of this franchise for all of those years?” the 1982 season’s Super Bowl-winning quarterback asked. “There hasn’t been anybody playing long enough for fans to get to know.”
Doug Williams, the lionized quarterback and cultural figure who won a Super Bowl between Theismann and Rypien, looks at past failures more diplomatically.
“It happens to a lot of people,” said the 1987 season’s Super Bowl MVP. “We just hadn’t found that guy.”
They have now.
Daniels is in the midst of perhaps the greatest rookie quarterback season in history. Not only Washington’s, but the league’s.
“The kid, we all know, is gifted. He’s beyond gifted,” Rypien said. “To be thrown into the fire right away and doing what he’s been asked to do is nothing short of amazing.”
The Washington franchise crumbled under the mishandling of the roster and the previous owner’s disrespectful notion of organizational management. Two team name changes and zero playoff wins (since the 2005 season) later, Josh Harris and his partners purchased the franchise in July 2023. Six months later, new football decision-makers were hired. Another three months brought Daniels to town. The Commanders finished the 2024 regular season with a 12-5 record.
Daniels’ thrilling and clutch performances more than helped end the drought of 11-win seasons and propelled the team to its first playoff appearance since 2020. The NFC’s sixth seed went on the road to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers 23-20 on Sunday night. On Saturday, the Commanders will play the No. 1-seeded Lions. The winner advances to the NFC Championship Game.
Washington fans and alumni haven’t stopped pinching themselves this week to double-check. Yes, this is real life. Theismann, the 1983 NFL MVP, said of watching Sunday night’s last-second win, “I’ve never been that excited in my life.”
GO DEEPER
Commanders secure another last-second win. This one earns a trip to NFC divisional round
As the cliche goes, it takes a village to raise an NFL quarterback. Washington assembled the necessary staffers and created the environment to welcome Daniels. That included having someone around who has lived the high-pressure quarterback life.
Williams, 69, has been an executive within the organization for a decade. The senior adviser to general manager Adam Peters met Daniels in 2019, which was around the time Washington’s fan base went from angry to apathetic. The 18-year-old Arizona State freshman was invited to an African American quarterback seminar where the first Black quarterback to win a Super Bowl would attend.
Their connection strengthened when Washington selected the LSU Heisman Trophy winner with the No. 2 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
“Without Doug, I probably wouldn’t be in this seat. He was a pioneer, trailblazer for all African American quarterbacks to follow,” Daniels said in October. “Him being a mentor to me since I got here, I can’t thank (him) enough for what he has done. Not only for me, for my family — so, so much respect and love for Doug.”
Williams is available for the rookie when needed but doesn’t hover over him or dole out unsolicited advice. There are coaches on staff paid for that. Williams catches up with Daniels when they pass each other at the team facility or travel for road games. Football is a peripheral topic for them.
Head coach Dan Quinn, who recently wore multiple T-shirts honoring Williams, a semifinalist for the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame contributor class, observes the quarterbacks bonding from a distance. Whether the conversations are about playing the position or being part of the community, Williams has a special lens for that.
“I think he is the best person to share that (with Jayden),” Quinn said.
That admiration is a two-way street. During the preseason, Daniels wore Williams’ No. 17 jersey to a game as a nod to his predecessor.
.@JayD__5 reppin’ Doug Williams pic.twitter.com/W2g9xkXFkV
— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) August 10, 2024
“You’ve got to give him props for respecting the game,” Williams told The Athletic. “Not only that, though: He respects everybody else. That’s the good part about him. Nothing he does is fake. He’s a good person. He’s a good human being. He understands who he is, what he is and where he’s at, and what he has to deal with.”
Unlike in Williams’ era, the subject of Black quarterbacks starting in the NFL isn’t as prominent today.
“We’ve had (numerous) starting Black quarterbacks in the league,” Williams said. “For me, I think we should’ve been past that by now.”
Daniels isn’t Washington’s first Black quarterback since Williams. Far from it. Among them were Robert Griffin III and Dwayne Haskins, two other signal callers the team drafted in the first round. Like with Daniels, Williams tried to be a mentor for them, as well.
“I think we got the right person,” Williams said of the presumptive Offensive Rookie of the Year. “We just got to add pieces. It’s all about the pieces you bring in. He upholds his part, and that’s the most important thing.”
Indeed, he has. On Sunday, Daniels became the fourth rookie quarterback to win his first playoff road start while leading his fifth game-winning drive this season.
It should be too early to think Daniels may join Theismann, Williams and Rypien as Washington Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks. But Daniels’ brilliant performances and ability to handle expectations won’t slow the hype.
“His play has shown everybody how you handle it,” said Williams, a classic pocket passer with a strong arm during a pro career spanning 12 years. “You talk about pressure. I’m a firm believer that Jayden, as an athlete, is going to put pressure on himself.”
Being drafted by a franchise amid a 30-year desperate search for a quarterbacking savior defines pressure. Not that the extraordinarily calm Daniels feels any.
“He won the Heisman Trophy, so you figure the kid can play,” Williams said. “When he was drafted, I saw him and said (of the new situation), ‘Keep playing and you never know what happens.’”
Theismann watched Daniels lead Washington on the final drive in Tampa with his wife from their Memphis, Tenn., home. Yelling and screaming occurred frequently during the tense game. Kicker Zane Gonzalez’s 37-yard, game-winning, upright-kissing field goal had Theismann “literally jump out of my chair with elation.”
“I know what the feeling is for those players,” the 75-year-old Theismann said, “and I know what the franchise has been through for a long, long time. And I’m sure the fans felt the same way.”
Daniels acknowledged that he wasn’t sure what crossed his mind when Gonzalez’s kick fell between the uprights. As his teammates sprinted excitedly onto the field, Daniels remained on the sideline stone-faced as Washington won its sixth consecutive game and fifth on the final play from scrimmage.
Winning your first career playoff game? NBD @JayD__5 | @Commanders pic.twitter.com/7cy4oJlIPX
— NFL (@NFL) January 13, 2025
By now, Daniels’ poise has become a defining trait of Washington’s surprising season. He stays calm in chaotic moments, which in turn helps the rest of the roster. Wide receiver Dyami Brown said if “the quarterback is poised and in control, the rest of the offense is.” Throughout this season, Daniels has been able to manage tense moments for a team that is not used to being in them.
Theismann, the 1970 Heisman Trophy runner-up, is the closest stylistically to the first-time Pro Bowler’s dual-threat ability. Not that he had Daniels’ level of escapability and quickness, but mobility was central to Theismann’s game. He rolled out for passes and gained yards on the ground when needed.
The longtime analyst has football theories about how Daniels remains so calm under the bright spotlight.
“No. 1, you trust your teammates. You know they’re going to be there for you, the offensive line, the receivers,” Theismann said. “Secondly, for me, I always felt the bigger the game, the calmer I felt. It’s an interesting aspect of preparation.”
Daniels putting in hard work and beating teammates into the building with early morning arrivals became a storyline from the start. His continued use of virtual reality technology speeds up his target-seeking process while slowing down the actual game.
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Jayden Daniels’ growth with VR simulation has Commanders embracing mind games
Theismann said he sensed a “little bit” of nerves from Daniels while watching on TV.
“If you’re not antsy, you’re not human,” Theismann said. “Then he settles into what he needs to do.”
Daniels completed all three of his pass attempts on the game-winning possession. On third-and-2 from the Buccaneers’ 19-yard line inside the final minute, he outran defensive tackle Calijah Kancey to the edge and dove for the final first down before Gonzalez’s kick.
Receivers Terry McLaurin and Brown caught passes thrown their way for touchdowns. The defense, relatively fresh all night thanks to the offense controlling the time of possession, was opportunistic. Quinn and his coordinators called a strong game.
“However,” Theismann noted, “unless you have a quarterback, you can’t win. That’s a lock solid bet. If you have one, you have a chance. If you don’t, you have no chance. And we have one now that is special.”
Daniels missed some passing opportunities against the Bucs but finished with a 68.6 completion percentage (24-of-35). That’s the highest for a Washington quarterback in a playoff game since Rypien (70.6) against Detroit in the 1991 NFC Championship Game.
There were blips of hope between Rypien and Daniels. Brad Johnson for a spell before he quarterbacked the Super Bowl-winning 2002 Buccaneers. Griffin’s rookie-of-the-year season in 2012. Kirk Cousins’ three starting seasons.
But those stints weren’t enough to mask overall frustration with the franchise that spanned decades.
“Many of us wish we were more welcomed than we figured we were,” Rypien said. “To say ‘the door’s always open’ with the previous ownership group was kind of a statement more so than someone really reaching out.”
That changed dramatically once Harris took control in 2023. Hall of Fame cornerback Darrell Green’s long-overdue jersey retirement ceremony occurred in October. The organization created specific alumni events to coincide with home games
Daniels acknowledged his “focus on the task at hand” limits the scope of his alumni encounters, “but we love having them around and showing their support and joy during the season that we’re having.”
Quinn, a New Jersey native raised in the NFC East corridor, loves having the alums around.
“To know where you want to go, you also have to know where you’ve been,” Quinn said. “That’s an identity that they had here for a long time.”
Rypien’s attendance as “Legend of the Game” for the Week 16 rematch against the Philadelphia Eagles meant an up-close look at the organization’s tangible and enthusiastic upgrades.
“The futility that we had been forced to watch for the last 32 years — along the way we’ve had a couple playoff runs, but nothing like this,” Rypien said. “The resurgence here … having an ownership that let the coaches and the football guys, Peters, Quinn and the whole football operations people do what they do, I think, has just been nothing short of amazing.”
GO DEEPER
Adam Peters does things ‘the right way,’ and his Commanders are reaping the benefits
Rypien, 62, sees a return to the “culture” established under three-time Super Bowl champion head coach Joe Gibbs. He hopes that, combined with a potential new stadium inside city limits, “will set off a reaction around Washington, D.C. Now it’s just a matter of talent getting out there and doing it.”
He also, correctly, felt “there were too many green jerseys in the (crowd for) the game against Philadelphia.” That faction left the stadium miserable after Daniels’ fifth touchdown pass, a 9-yarder to Jamison Crowder with six seconds remaining, capped a 22-point fourth quarter as Washington rallied for a 36-33 win.
Rypien wouldn’t make any snap judgments on Daniels, the person, based on their brief conversation on game days. “But talking to people who know him, the type of kid he is and what he’s done his whole career is astonishing. It’s exciting.”
The rediscovered energy had Rypien wanting to attend the wild-card game. His upcoming labrum and rotator cuff surgery meant being home, as in his physical house. But for the first time in years, the franchise he helped reach the NFL pinnacle feels like a family again with Daniels as the newest quarterbacking relative.
“As a fan and as a Redskins-Commanders alumnus, it’s just been astounding to see what he’s been able to do on the football field,” Rypien said.
Everyone can make such assessments about Daniels. The three men, heralded as kings in these parts, understand the privilege and power of being Washington’s quarterback in ways nobody else can.
(Illustration: Demetrius Robinson / The Athletic; photos: Kevin Sabitus, Scott Cunningham, John Biever, Ron Vesely / Getty Images)
In Jayden Daniels, Washington’s Super Bowl-winning QBs see one of their ownAs the Washington football team looks to solidify their quarterback position for the future, they may have found a promising young talent in Jayden Daniels. The highly touted prospect out of Arizona State has drawn comparisons to some of the franchise’s past Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks.
Daniels, known for his strong arm and ability to extend plays with his legs, has caught the eye of Washington’s coaching staff and front office. With his combination of athleticism, leadership, and football IQ, he has the potential to follow in the footsteps of legendary quarterbacks like Joe Theismann, Doug Williams, and Mark Rypien, who led the team to Super Bowl victories in the past.
The young signal-caller has already shown flashes of his potential during his time at Arizona State, and many believe he has what it takes to succeed at the next level. With the guidance of Washington’s coaching staff and the support of the team’s loyal fan base, Daniels could be the next franchise quarterback to bring a Super Bowl title to the nation’s capital.
As Washington’s Super Bowl-winning quarterbacks watch from the sidelines, they see a bit of themselves in Jayden Daniels. With his talent, work ethic, and determination, he could be the missing piece that propels the team back to championship glory. Washington fans can only hope that Daniels can live up to the high expectations and lead the team to Super Bowl success once again.
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