Travis Kelce: Caleb Williams Similar to Patrick Mahomes, but Jayden Daniels More ‘NFL Ready’

As was widely predicted by the entire NFL community, Caleb Williams was drafted by the Chicago Bears during the 2024 NFL Draft as their No. 1 overall pick. Following the USC quarterback, the Commanders drafted Jayden Daniels as their No. 2 pick and Drake Maye went to the Patriots at No. 3. Several figures from the NFL reacted to the draft picks, including Travis Kelce during the latest New Heights episode.

Caleb Williams, who has been widely compared to Travis Kelce’s quarterback Patrick Mahomes, is expected to fill a deep void that the Chicago Bears have faced in their QB room. Washington Commanders expect something similar from Jayden Daniels, and the notion is that he could become the team’s franchise quarterback. Surprisingly, despite Caleb Williams landing a Patrick Mahomes comparison, Travis Kelce feels Jayden Daniels is more ‘NFL-ready’.

Travis Kelce drops an honest Caleb Williams assessment

The similarities between Chiefs’ Patrick Mahomes and the USC quarterback are not coming out of thin air. From sidearm cannon shots to throw accuracy from within the pocket, likeness can be witnessed in how Mahomes and Williams play. In fact, Caleb Williams became the first FBS quarterback after Patrick Mahomes to throw 30 touchdowns and rush for 10 scores in back-to-back seasons. This resemblance could be one of the reasons why even Travis Kelce thinks the Mahomes-Williams comparison is not entirely off the mark.

During the latest New Heights episode, referring to Williams, Travis Kelce said, “Watching him, uh, play in college over the past couple years both at Oklahoma and USC, I thought he was an absolute stud… similar to kind of how Patty Mahomes plays the game or at least played the game in college.” Caleb Williams’ trust in throwing the ball and “letting his guys go make plays” is what struck Travis Kelce as similar to his quarterback.

The Chiefs’ star TE also thought that Caleb Williams has the ‘game changer’ mentality, and added, “He can kill you with your arm and he can he can do some things with his legs and running the ball that, um, a lot of QBs can’t.” Travis Kelce’s assessment of Caleb Williams was only supported by the 22-year-old’s scouting report by CBS, which said “His footwork looks cleaner in his drop back, he has a plus arm, throws with great accuracy to all three levels”. Even though the new Bears quarterback received props from the 9-time Pro Bowler for playing like Patrick Mahomes, Travis Kelce still had a preference over Williams for the football league.

Jayden Daniels endorsed by Chiefs TE

Referring to Jayden Daniels on the New Heights episode, Travis Kelce said, “Jayden Daniels is a little bit more, uh, I want to say NFL ready. But I think I’ve seen him make more on-time throw throws than I have Caleb.” According to Travis, Calling Williams’ throws resembled ‘backyard ball’ and Jayden Daniels “showed pocket poise”. Jason Kelce also appreciated the Commanders for turning their team around with several off-season roster moves.

If Caleb Williams has earned comparisons to Patrick Mahomes, Jayden Daniels has been touted as Lamar Jackson 2.0. In fact, the LSU quarterback has been named a better passer than Lamar Jackson was at that point. Jayden Daniel’s rhythmic footwork and unparalleled accuracy have overtaken the NFL. Hence, it is only right that the Commanders chose Daniels as their next franchise quarterback. Only time will tell if Caleb Williams and Jayden Daniels fulfill the vast expectations of fans.