Every summer, I look forward to Chris Simms’ annual quarterback rankings. Simms, a former NFL quarterback and now a highly respected football analyst, consistently provides great analysis and content. Although past Bears quarterbacks haven’t ranked very high on his list, I still enjoy following it. This year, Simms’ ranking of the top 40 quarterbacks for 2024 has sparked a lot of discussion, particularly due to the surprising placement of Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams. Williams ranked 20th on Simms’ list.
Chris Simms’ 2024 Top 40 QB List:
- Patrick Mahomes, Kansas City Chiefs
- Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills
- Joe Burrow, Cincinnati Bengals
- Lamar Jackson, Baltimore Ravens
- Matthew Stafford, LA Rams
- Justin Herbert, LA Chargers
- C.J. Stroud, Houston Texans
- Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys
- Jalen Hurts, Philadelphia Eagles
- Jared Goff, Detroit Lions
- Trevor Lawrence, Jacksonville Jaguars
- Kirk Cousins, Atlanta Falcons
- Jordan Love, Green Bay Packers
- Aaron Rodgers, New York Jets
- Baker Mayfield, Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Kyler Murray, Arizona Cardinals
- Brock Purdy, San Francisco 49ers
- Tua Tagovailoa, Miami Dolpins
- Geno Smith, Seattle Seahawks
- Caleb Williams, Chicago Bears
- Russell Wilson, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Derek Carr, New Orleans Saints
- Daniel Jones, NY Giants
- Deshuan Watson, Cleveland Browns
- Justin Fields, Pittsburgh Steelers
- Will Levis, Tennessee Titans
- Michael Penix Jr., Atlanta Falcons
- Jayden Daniels, Washington Commanders
- Bo Nix, Denver Broncos
- J. J. McCarthy, Minnesota Vikings
- Ryan Tannehill (Free Agent)
- Anthony Richardson, Indianapolis Colts
- Sam Darnold, Minnesota Vikings
- Bryce Young, Carolina Panthers
- Jameis Winston, Cleveland Browns
- Jacoby Brissett, New England Patriots
- Joe Flacco, Indianapolis Colts
- Kenny Pickett, Philadelphia Eagles
- Gardner Minshew, Las Vegas Raiders
- Jarrett Stidham, Denver Broncos
Is Caleb Williams ranked too high on this list?
For a quarterback who hasn’t played a single NFL snap, coming in at number 20 on Simms’ list is quite remarkable. This highlights Williams’ exceptional talent and potential. Expectations are high, but with the strong supporting cast the Bears have provided on both offense and defense, Williams should have every opportunity to showcase his skills early in his rookie season. Time will tell if Williams truly deserves the hype and the 20th spot on Simms’ QB list, but considering his potential, the ranking seems fair.
Hahaha, C’mon man, what are we doing here? Chris Simms? Really? Highly respected football analyst? He’s the definition of Nepotism. He was an Awful quarterback and an awful announcer but yet he’s the Guy who’s opinion we’re supposed to value? Wonderful, he thinks Caleb is #20, Great. He’s got 5 rookies in the top 30 and the one he left out of the top 40 was drafted #3. His top 40 list almost always falls flat. I seriously value all of your opinions as much or more as his.
Sorry, rant over.
JMHO, but I’d put Purdy and Love above Dak and Hurts. Their downfield accuracy is much better.
I think CJ had a fantastic rookie season. I will not knock him, but defenses have tape now, and they will disguise coverages to confuse him. I need to see how he adjusts. ARod and Cousins are vets with significant injuries at an advanced age. Goff, Darnold, Baker, and Kyler have all gone through their growing pains, but things should have slowed down for them, and I can see each potentially flourishing this year. It would not surprise me to see Mason Rudolph seize the job in Tennessee. I need to see more from Dak and Hurts before I put… Read more »
As far as selecting Stroud, that was a no-brainer for me whether taken first or second. But I will give Poles the benefit of the doubt. I think he preferred more draft picks over Stroud, and to wait for a year when the QBs would be better or more numerous. Now comes the defensive line for 2025.
Wow. He rates CJ Stroud top 10. That hurts.