Caleb Williams might not make his fanbase too happy with his latest opinion.
While appearing on “Up & Adams” from Bears training camp on Thursday, the No. 1 overall pick said Jets quarterback Aaron Rodgers is still the best at his position in the NFL.
“Aaron Rodgers, right now in the game, is my No. 1 QB,” the rookie said. “Obviously, last year, he got hurt and things like that. That kind of varies for the top 100.”
Despite playing only four snaps before tearing his Achilles, Rodgers was still situated at No. 92 on the “NFL Top 100” list that was recently unveiled — a ranking that irked many around the league, given the award is based on just that season’s play.
Rodgers being included even bothered one of Williams’ own teammates — star corner Jaylon Johnson — who called it “bulls–t.”
Green. Bill Kostroun/New York Post
Given that the 40-year-old Rodgers hardly played at all last season as well as his age, many NFL fans and pundits slot him still among the best at the position but below a top tier of names like Patrick Mahomes, Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson.
But Williams — who was 3 years old when Rodgers made his NFL debut in 2005 — seems to disagree.
The four-time MVP Rodgers tormented the Bears during his illustrious 18 seasons with the Green Bay Packers, going a whopping 24-5 against the Monsters of the Midway.
Beyond praising the Jets’ signal-caller, Williams devoted most of the segment to lauding Rams quarterback Matthew Stafford.
“When he [Stafford] played for Detroit, I enjoyed watching him. I was younger, and I didn’t really understand,” Williams reflected. I got older and older, and then I started to understand his game. He’s unbelievable. There’s a couple plays where he’ll get a play action. He has the [linebacker] on a string. He wants the ‘backer to go here. He’ll go there, and he’ll throw it right behind his head, at the perfect touch, perfect velocity.”
The 36-year-old Stafford was voted as the 42nd-best player in pro football by his counterparts, something which frustrated Williams.
“It was something unbelievable that he shouldn’t have been,” Williams offered. “I don’t know if I could name two or three quarterbacks that play the position better than Matthew Stafford. Matthew is top-two in the league. I give him respect. I watch his game. I try and mimic things.”
To Williams’ point, Stafford was one of the better gunslingers in the league in 2023, finishing fourth in Pro Football Focus passing grade and 12th in expected points added per play — regularly dazzling with off-platform throws and altered arm angles.
Williams will get to go head-to-head with Stafford in Week 4, when the Bears take on the Rams in Chicago, but won’t square off with Rodgers and the Jets in his rookie season.
First up, though, the 22-year-old will hit the field against the Bills on Saturday for his pro debut in the team’s second preseason matchup.