Caleb Williams disrespect from FOX ranking him as the 21st best QB in the NFL? The same list has JJ McCarthy, who has played exactly 0 NFL games, at No. 12.
The recent FOX Sports quarterback rankings have sparked significant controversy, particularly concerning the placement of Caleb Williams, the Chicago Bears’ rookie quarterback, and J.J. McCarthy, the Minnesota Vikings’ first-round draft pick. In these rankings, Williams is positioned as the 21st best quarterback in the NFL, while McCarthy, who has yet to play an NFL game, is ranked 12th. This disparity has led to widespread debate among fans, analysts, and former players.
Caleb Williams entered the NFL as the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, following a stellar college career at USC where he won the Heisman Trophy in 2022. In his rookie season with the Bears, Williams demonstrated impressive potential, throwing for over 3,500 yards, 20 touchdowns, and maintaining a passer rating of 87.8 . Despite these strong statistics, FOX Sports’ Nick Wright placed him in Tier 4 of his quarterback rankings, which includes players like Matthew Stafford and Lamar Jackson .
On the other hand, J.J. McCarthy, who was drafted 10th overall by the Vikings, has yet to play a snap in the NFL due to a knee injury that sidelined him for the entire 2024 season . Despite this, Wright ranked him 12th among NFL quarterbacks, ahead of established starters like Dak Prescott and Tua Tagovailoa .
This ranking has been met with criticism from various quarters. Analysts argue that it is premature to rank a player who has no NFL experience above a rookie who has already shown significant promise. Former NFL quarterback Chris Simms expressed disbelief over the rankings, stating, “How can you place a player who hasn’t taken a single NFL snap ahead of someone who has proven themselves on the field?” Simms emphasized that while McCarthy had a successful college career, the NFL is a different level, and projecting success without any professional experience is speculative at best.
Supporters of Williams’ ranking argue that his performance in his rookie season warrants higher recognition. They point to his rapid adaptation to the NFL, his poise under pressure, and his ability to lead the Bears to competitive performances against top-tier teams. While acknowledging that rookies often face challenges, they believe that Williams’ trajectory is promising and that he has the potential to become a franchise quarterback.
The controversy highlights the complexities and subjectivity involved in ranking quarterbacks, especially when comparing players with varying levels of experience and success. It underscores the challenges analysts face in evaluating talent and projecting future performance, particularly when dealing with rookies and players with limited professional experience.
In conclusion, while the FOX Sports quarterback rankings have sparked debate, they also serve as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of player development in the NFL. As both Caleb Williams and J.J. McCarthy continue their careers, only time will tell how their performances align with these early assessments. For now, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see how these young quarterbacks fare in the coming seasons.
