Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix and the 2024 QB Class Confidence Meter Entering 2025 Season

Confidence cannot be replicated or imitated. You've either got it or you don’t. Being confident is a significant part of playing quarterback in the NFL.

The quarterback class of the 2024 NFL draft has the potential to be an all-time group. These young passers are heading into their second year in the league.

Who are the signal-callers you should feel confident in before the 2025 NFL season? Let's look at how the six major quarterbacks from last year's draft stack up on our confidence meter.

Spencer Rattler, New Orleans Saints

AP Photo/Ella Hall

The 2024 fifth-round pick is engulfed in a quarterback battle with rookie Tyler Shough. Rattler played in seven games and completed 57 percent of his passes for 1,317 yards, four touchdowns, and five interceptions.

Rattler and Shough have been impressive through OTA practices with the New Orleans Saints. This battle will surely last through training camp, but Rattler doesn't rate high on our confidence meter.

There are multiple variables playing against him. The coaching staff is new and it selected its quarterback in April. Shough was a top-40 pick for the Saints.

Rattler was a Day 3 pick last year, and opportunities are not abundant for QBs selected after the third round, especially when the team drafts the replacement early the following year.

The South Carolina product is talented and may have a slight chance to earn the starting job for week one, but it will be an uphill battle to unseat Shough, the franchise's future quarterback.

Confidence meter: 2

J.J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings

AP Photo/Bruce Kluckhohn

J.J. McCarthy missed his rookie season after suffering a torn meniscus during the preseason. During his only in-game action, he went 11-17 for 188 yards with two passing touchdowns and one interception.

Seeing their new starting quarterback this low on the confidence meter isn't ideal for Vikings fans, but 2025 is, effectively, his rookie campaign.

McCarthy must prove himself in one of the league's toughest divisions, but everything around him is all that any young quarterback would ask for: an outstanding head coach/offensive mind, improved offensive line, two capable running backs and multiple receiving weapons.

Not to forget, the strong Minnesota defense will take pressure off the Michigan product early in the season.

McCarthy must find his footing and comfort zone when attacking defenses in the passing game. He is equipped with the arm strength to access every blade of grass on the field, and he is also a good athlete who can extend plays with his legs.

The 22-year-old was selected in the top 10 for a reason; all the tools are there. Now we'll find out if he can make the natural development throughout his first year count and be a catalyst for a postseason appearance.

Confidence meter: 4

Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons

AP Photo/Danny Karnik

Somehow, Atlanta emerged as a genius when Michael Penix Jr. became the starter after highly paid veteran quarterback Kirk Cousins' play diminished.

Penix Jr. played in five games and started three with obvious peaks and valleys in his performance. Although he was not expected to play, he started as a rookie with Cousins being the big-money free agent.

Penix is the starter entering year two, though. He has a strong coaching staff around him, which puts him in the most advantageous position as a first-year starting QB. He also has a strong support cast around him, with running back Bijan Robinson and wide receiver Drake London leading the way.

Penix needs to be more consistent from the pocket and improve his accuracy, ball placement and completion percentage. If these boxes are checked, the Falcons will compete with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for the NFC South division crown.

Confidence meter: 5

Drake Maye, New England Patriots

AP Photo/Adrian Kraus

The New England Patriots made wholesale changes this offseason, hiring a new coaching staff with past ties to the organization and using their salary cap wisely during free agency.

They made good decisions during the 2025 draft, and everything ties to helping second-year quarterback Drake Maye.

The 22-year-old started 12 of the 13 games he played last season, throwing for 2,276 yards, 15 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. He flashed his traits and tools on some "wow" throws last year, despite a lackluster supporting cast and offensive line.

The Patriots prioritized pass protection by adding LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell with their top-five pick. Maye faced pressure on 38 percent of his dropbacks, 34 of which converted into sacks. His play took a dip when facing pressure, though.

Maye completed 51 percent of his passes for five touchdowns and six interceptions. Campbell and veteran OL Morgan Moses are expected to help keep the UNC product comfortable in the pocket.

Maye's leading receiver last season was Demario Douglas. The QB also has wideout Stefon Diggs returning from a torn ACL with the Texans last season.

Diggs appears to be healthy and poised to command the WR1 spot. In addition, Washington State receiver Kyle Williams joins the young core of receivers along with rookie RB TreVeyon Henderson.

An improved coaching staff, receiving core, offensive line and rushing attack: Things are in place for Maye to take a big step forward.

Confidence meter: 7

Bo Nix, Denver Broncos

AP Photo/Geneva Heffernan

Sean Payton and Bo Nix were a match made in football heaven. The former drafted the latter as his franchise quarterback for the Denver Broncos.

Nix had a successful season, completing 66 percent of his passes for 3,775 yards, 29 passing touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He operated Payton's offense well and led them to the Wild Card Round.

Nix’s supporting cast has received a boost with the addition of running back R.J. Harvey. Giving the QB a more potent and explosive rushing attack will help lessen the weight on his shoulders while providing a check-down option in the passing game.

The Oregon product will benefit from improving his anticipation and accuracy down the field. He must perform better and maintain his mechanics when pressured and his protection breaks down.

Expectations will be high for Nix to repeat and/or elevate his game and offense in his second year in Payton's scheme.

Confidence meter: 7.5

Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears

AP Photo/Nam Y. Huh

Caleb Williams' first year in the NFL was tumultuous. He entered the year with plenty of optimism and hope from Chicago Bears fans and the media.

Unfortunately for Williams, he was a victim of poor coaching and a horrendous offensive line. It’s the same story, different year, different quarterback, but the same old Bears.

The Bears did a great job changing their culture (on paper) this offseason after hiring Ben Johnson as head coach and offensive mastermind. The new leadership group had an offseason plan and executed it perfectly with multiple transactions to fortify the interior offensive line for Williams in year two.

They also added two of the best receiving threats with their first two picks. Tight end Colston Loveland will now join Cole Kmet to create a big and athletic tandem to stress defenses in 12-personnel (2-TE) sets. Luther Burden III was their second-round pick and will man the slot between DJ Moore and Rome Odunze.

Williams was deemed a “generational” prospect coming out of USC. After a down season, he has the reinforcements needed to climb closer to his pre-draft analysis.

Pairing him with a creative mastermind such as Johnson sets up the 23-year-old for a big season.

Confidence meter: 8.5

Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders

AP Photo/Matt Slocum

The reigning Offensive Rookie of the Year had one of the best seasons by a first-year quarterback in NFL history.

Jayden Daniels took the NFC East and the league by storm, leading the Washington Commanders to the playoffs and two playoff victories. His quarterback rating ranks fourth in NFL history since 1967.

The LSU product completed 69 percent of his passes for 3,568 yards, 25 passing touchdowns, and nine interceptions. He added 148 carries for 891 yards and six rushing touchdowns.

Heading into year two, the Commanders became aggressive with their offseason improvement plan. They orchestrated two big sideline trades for starting left tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. They continued to pour resources into Daniels by selecting OT Josh Conerly Jr. in the first round of the draft.

Giving Daniels anything less than a 10 on the confidence meter would be foolish. His team improved, and he's coming off an elite rookie year.

Barring anything catastrophic, Daniels is expected to play at a high level again in 2025. One caveat: Nothing is for certain.

C.J. Stroud experienced a sophomore slump last season, but his offense took a step back as a whole. Daniels and the Commanders need to avoid the same thing from happening in the nation's capital.

Confidence meter: 10