Caleb Williams was selected No. 1 overall by the Chicago Bears in the 2024 NFL Draft. Two picks later, the New England Patriots took Drake Maye.
Even though other first-rounders in that loaded class (Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix) have had some success and the jury is out on two others (Michael Penix, J.J. McCarthy), Williams and Maye are the pair that stand out the most in Year 3.
Although Williams has yet to lead his team to a conference championship game like Maye, Daniels and Nix have, the Bears have a chance to be that good this season, the second under coach Ben Johnson. Williams also has yet to be named to the Pro Bowl despite already posting his team's record for single-season passing yards.
Maye had a breakout second season while leading the Patriots' offense all the way to Super Bowl 61. He was the league MVP runner-up. He has followed that up, however, with a mixed bag of production through the first six games of 2026.
Which team, Chicago or New England, ended up with the better QB for the long term? Who would you rather have on your favorite team, Williams or Maye? Here's a breakdown of a fun comparison.
Caleb Williams vs. Drake Maye: Who's better?
Williams has started 37 regular-season games in two-plus seasons, while Maye is up to 35 starts. Before examining which QB has the edge as an overall passer and runner, here's how their key stats have stacked up so far:
| Passing stats | Yards per game | TDs | Comp. pct | YPA | Passer rating |
| Caleb Williams | 221.3 | 50 | 61.2 | 6.7 | 89.9 |
| Drake Maye | 225.9 | 57 | 68.7 | 8.0 | 101.3 |
| Rushing stats | Yards per game | TDs | YPC |
| Caleb Williams | 26.7 | 5 | 5.6 |
| Drake Maye | 29.3 | 7 | 5.4 |
The numbers are similar, but Maye's stellar 2025 helps him stand out with his downfield passing efficiency. They both have picked great spots for their scrambling and improvisational mobility. The past is one thing, but for the future, it's important to re-scout each QB:
Accuracy
This is a tough one. Maye led the NFL with his 72.0 completion percentage while averaging 8.9 yards per attempt last season, adding up to a league-high 113.5 passer rating. This season, Williams leads all QBs with his 72.5 completion percentage. He's up to 7.8 YPA, with Maye cooling off at 80.0.
When looking at throwing downfield from the pocket, Maye and Williams are both pinpoint passers. The slight difference comes on "off-schedule" plays, as Williams can sling it anywhere while on the run. His touchdown pass to tight end Colston Loveland early in the Week 6 game against the Falcons is an epitome of that.
Advantage: Williams
Arm Strength
Maye can make all the throws for sure. There is no question he delivers the ball with high velocity and also shows zip on short-to-intermediate passes. But when considering who has the traditional natural cannon, Williams has elite arm strength to fling the ball anywhere into tight windows deep with just adequate pass protection.
This might be like splitting hairs again, but when looking at how the ball comes out of the arm of either Maye or Williams, the latter is blessed with a little more right-handed juice.
Advantage: Williams
Decision Making
This might be the most criticized area for both quarterbacks. That makes sense because their physical abilities with their arms, accuracy and athleticism are off the charts. Both Williams and Maye have great confidence in their skill sets, which can push them into some "hero ball," forcing some big pass plays that aren't there.
Throwing the ball away or checking down isn't always in the back of their minds. Although Williams is getting better in this category, Maye set a high bar last season and deserves some grace for some uncharacteristic mistakes early in 2026.
Advantage: Maye
Pocket Presence
Maye has outstanding footwork and mechanics. When feeling the rush, he hangs in the pocket well or shuffles his feet to create a clean one once pressure has caused the offensive line to break down. He is textbook-sharp in stepping up and calmly delivering the ball, which has become a big part of his downfield accuracy.
Williams isn't quite as patient and can tend to get some happy feet. Like Patrick Mahomes, he's fine with chaos off-script plays but is often the one creating those opportunities. Williams hasn't had the same protection overall since his rookie season, but the Bears' investment in the offensive line has leveled the play up front with the Patriots, allowing Williams to be less dependent on improvisation.
The Patriots' system under Josh McDaniels requires Maye to hang in the pocket more to execute well. Ben Johnson had a pure pocket passer in the Lions' Jared Goff but has adapted well to maximize Williams' scrambling style.
Advantage: Maye
Athleticism
Williams and Maye are each exceptional athletes in their own right. Williams is more deliberate a la Mahomes, while Maye doesn't get enough credit for how much his running can change games. He picks good spots to take off and run, either by design at the beginning of plays or by necessity with the field opening up on called pass plays.
Maye has a dynamic takeoff and excels at accelerating toward the first-down mark or end zone. Williams relies more on quickness and elusiveness with his big frame. Give Maye this category with the more notable rushing production.
Advantage: Maye
Toughness
This is the first of two subjective final categories. Maye operated so well while staying clean, but he also displayed his mental toughness during the 2026 Super Bowl run. Physically, at 6-4, 225, he is sturdy enough to absorb a lot of hits and has been durable.
Williams has been criticized for his emotional reaction to the hamstring injury he suffered in Week 3. But he's not gotten credit for hustling back by Week 6, almost playing in Week 5. Don't confuse Williams' sensitivity for a lack of grittiness on the field. Going back to USC, Williams has proved his resilience and clinched his clutch playmaking by leading six fourth-quarter comebacks in his second season, his first under Johnson.
Advantage: Williams
Leadership and intangibles
Maye has the credentials of playing in the Super Bowl in his second NFL season. Like Williams, he didn't have everything needed in place as a rookie. McDaniels lifted Maye to an elite level in Year 2, while Williams was playing a little more catch-up with Johnson.
Maye is a great leader to take the long-term reins from Tom Brady. Williams has that level of respect in coming through for the Bears. The offense chugs along at a different speed with Williams on the field, revving up his team. He has learned to match the game-long energy of Johnson. Some will point to Maye coming through vs. a weaker level of competition than Williams last season. This year, however, the NFC North has more schedule breaks than the NFC East.
This isn't about what happened with Williams and Maye in 2025 or how it's been so far for both quarterbacks in 2026. Looking ahead to the next decade, this comes down to who's better positioned to lead his team to overall greater playoff success in his career. Williams must then get the edge in "je ne sais quoi" qualities.
The Patriots are very happy with Maye, but the Bears should be more thrilled to have had the opportunity to take Williams ahead of everyone else in the 2024 draft.
Advantage: Williams
Final verdict: Williams wins 4- 3
