Jayden Daniels vs. Caleb Williams stats: Commanders QB's hot start is raising questions over No. 1 overall pick

In April, the Bears were presented with a franchise-altering opportunity when they received the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Despite having Justin Fields at the time, their selection always seemed destined to be a quarterback. With a new face of the team, Chicago would look to build a new identity and allow its young star to grow with solid weapons in his first season.

However, the team had to make a decision between multiple choices. While they ultimately went with former USC star Caleb Williams, who was known as the heavy favorite to go No. 1 overall, another option was the reigning Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, who was instead picked at No. 2 by Washington.

As Williams and Daniels went with the first and second overall picks, their play through the early NFL season has refueled debates over who should have been selected first.

Here's a look at both Williams and Daniels' numbers in their respective Week 4 matchups, a comparison of their total rookie stats so far, and a look back on Chicago's draft choice last April.

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Caleb Williams stats vs. Rams

Williams entered Week 4 looking to build upon his numbers from the prior three weeks, as he'd struggled with some turnover issues early this season.

While he didn't put up anything more than average quarterback numbers, Williams did lead Chicago to a 24-18 win over the Rams.

So far, he's benefitted from the Bears' defense's strong play. Chicago is now 2-2 through four games, and while Williams was efficient with his passes and avoided turnovers on Sunday, his numbers were otherwise average.

Below is a look at Williams' stats vs. the Rams in Week 4.

The Bears' offense used a strong day from its running game to score 24 points, including a rushing touchdown each for D'Andre Swift and Roschon Johnson.

Williams' touchdown pass came in the third quarter when he tossed a nine-yard completion to DJ Moore.

Williams' numbers haven't been the full story of Chicago's .500 record, as its run game and defense have made significant impacts. However, Williams hasn't looked bad either, and he's done enough to keep the Bears in games, just as he did in Week 4.

MORE: Explaining Caleb Williams' slow start to the season

Jayden Daniels stats vs. Cardinals

On the other hand, Daniels continued his incredible start to the 2024 season with another big-time box score vs. the Cardinals in Week 4.

While Williams' team won because he limited mistakes and stepped up when he was needed to, Daniels took to both the air and the ground to make a significant overall impact on Washington's offense.

Against Arizona, Daniels was efficient, keeping a variety of Commanders receivers involved in the offense and showcasing his rushing ability as he led his team to a 42-14 win.

Daniels' 82.1-percent completion percentage through his first four games also became the highest mark for a quarterback in NFL history. He took the top spot away from Tom Brady.

Washington improved to 3-1 in 2024 with the win, and Daniels has statistically been among the best quarterbacks in the NFL through his team's strong start.

Here's a look at Daniels' stats vs. the Cardinals this week.

Daniels was outstanding in the air and on the ground outside of his one interception. Behind its rookie quarterback, the Commanders' offense continued to look dominant, as the lowest point total the team has through three weeks is 21 against the Giants in Week 2.

Daniels' dual-threat ability, which he flexed en route to his Heisman Trophy in 2023 with LSU, has translated well to the NFL through four weeks.

Jayden Daniels vs. Caleb Williams stats

Daniels' numbers jumped off the page a lot more than Williams' in Week 4. While the Bears' quarterback's stats this season are not bad by any means, Daniels has excelled to a level on par with some of the league's best players.

Below is a look at how each of the two quarterbacks, the first two players selected in the 2024 NFL Draft, have fared through four weeks in the league.

When factoring in the impact Daniels' has made as a runner, he hasn't just been better than Williams; he's been one of the best quarterbacks in the league.

Daniels' completion percentage has also been outstanding, as he's rarely had incompletions through his first four games. Williams, on the other hand, has had some turnover issues with his four interceptions, but he has seemingly gotten better as each week passes.

There's still a lot of time left in their rookie seasons, but in terms of individual play, Daniels has led Williams in most stat categories.

MORE: What Ja'Marr Chase said about Jayden Daniels

Bears' Caleb Williams vs. Jayden Daniels draft decision

As Williams entered the NFL Draft considered an all-time quarterback prospect, he was always the likely choice at No. 1 overall.

With USC in 2023, Williams had 3,633 passing yards, 30 passing touchdowns, five interceptions, and 11 rushing touchdowns. With a complete game and some of the best arm talent ever seen from a college quarterback, the Bears' decision to draft Williams became clearer as the draft approached.

However, Daniels at least made the conversation interesting at the time. Coming off his Heisman season where he posted 3,812 passing yards, 40 passing touchdowns, four interceptions, 1,134 rushing yards, and 10 rushing scores, Daniels entered the league as another generational talent.

Ultimately, Chicago went with Williams, which could still be an excellent decision in the long run. That left Washington, which had the second overall pick, with Daniels. There were four other quarterbacks taken in the first round (Drake Maye, Michael Penix Jr., J.J. McCarthy, and Bo Nix). However, Nix is the only first-round quarterback outside of Williams and Daniels who's currently his team's starter.

So far, Daniels' two-way impact has thrilled Commanders fans, as the team's offense has carried it to a 3-1 record. Williams' Bears are also a solid 2-2, so there are likely no regrets yet from Chicago on its draft decisions.

Both Williams and Daniels should have long, successful careers in the NFL. They both have flashed their talent through four games, have a long way to go in their rookie seasons, and have a lot of time to develop.

However, Daniels has been the best rookie quarterback through four weeks of the NFL season.