Jayden Daniels, the rookie quarterback for the Washington Commanders, narrowly missed a top-10 finish in ESPN’s latest quarterback rankings, with Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears claiming the final spot on 14 July 2026.
What happened?
ESPN’s annual quarterback power rankings for 2025 placed Caleb Williams at No. 10, just ahead of three other NFL quarterbacks—Sam Darnold, Jordan Love, and Jayden Daniels. The rankings, published on 14 July 2026, reflect performance from the 2025 season and early 2026 offseason evaluations. Daniels, who entered the league as a first-round pick in 2025, finished just outside the top tier in a competitive field that included established veterans and rising stars.
The rankings are compiled by ESPN analysts based on statistical output, leadership, and overall impact during the 2025 season and early 2026 preseason activity. Williams, the 2024 No. 1 overall pick, edged out Daniels by a narrow margin in the final evaluation.
Why it matters for Jayden Daniels
For Daniels, the miss is a reminder of the steep learning curve facing rookie quarterbacks in today’s NFL. While he showed flashes of potential in 2025, the rankings underscore the gap between elite performers and those still developing. The Commanders, rebuilding around their young signal-caller, will look to use this feedback as motivation heading into training camp.
ESPN’s rankings carry weight in shaping public perception and draft narratives. Daniels’ omission from the top 10 could fuel debates about his readiness compared to peers like Williams, who entered the league with higher expectations. The Commanders’ front office will need to address these questions as they build around their franchise quarterback.
How the rankings shook out
Caleb Williams took the final top-10 spot after a strong rookie campaign with the Bears. Sam Darnold, now with the Browns, and Jordan Love of the Packers rounded out the next two positions. Daniels, who threw for over 3,200 yards and 18 touchdowns as a rookie, landed just outside the top tier—reflecting the league’s high bar for rookie QBs.
The rankings also highlighted the dominance of veteran quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes and Josh Allen, who claimed the top two spots. The gap between established stars and rookies like Daniels remains significant in ESPN’s evaluation.
What comes next?
Daniels and the Commanders enter a critical stretch before the 2026 season. Training camp will be a chance to silence doubters and prove he belongs among the league’s best young QBs. The team’s offensive scheme, led by new coordinator Klint Kubiak, will play a key role in Daniels’ development.
ESPN’s rankings may shift again by season’s end. For Daniels, the goal is simple: climb the ladder in next year’s edition. The Commanders, meanwhile, are banking on their young QB to lead them back to contention.