The Ryen Russillo Podcast: Long-term Concern for Caleb Williams? QB Tiers With Mike Sando and Domonique Foxworth

Release Date: August 14, 2025

Introduction

In this episode of The Ryen Russillo Podcast, host Ryan Russillo delves deep into the evolving landscape of NFL quarterbacks. Joined by football analyst Mike Sando and former professional player Domonique Foxworth, the discussion centers around the latest quarterback tier rankings, with a particular focus on the rising star Caleb Williams and the challenges faced by versatile two-way players.

Quarterback Tier Rankings

Overview of Tier One QBs

Ryan Russillo opens the discussion by highlighting the annual release of quarterback tiers, expressing excitement over Mike Sando’s latest rankings. The conversation quickly pivots to the fluctuating number of quarterbacks considered Tier One.

Ryan Russillo [00:00]: "Quarterback tiers are out from Mike Sando. The Athletic just came out and we have them on every summer to run through it."

Mike Sando’s Perspective on Tier One

Mike Sando shares insights on the variability of Tier One quarterbacks, mentioning that the highest number he has observed is nine, referencing notable names like Andrew Luck, Tom Brady, and others.

Mike Sando [01:13]: "I think the largest may have been like nine... last year was only Burrow, Mahomes, and Allen because Lamar was just on the edge."

Matthew Stafford’s Inclusion in Tier One

A significant point of discussion is Matthew Stafford's unexpected rise to Tier One at the age of 37. Sando clarifies that while Stafford edged into Tier One, he remains distinct from his Tier One counterparts like Burrow and Mahomes.

Mike Sando [03:20]: "He's clearly not Burrow, Mahomes, Allen, and Jackson just in his probably ability to carry it week to week for a whole season."

Russillo reflects on Stafford’s long-standing talent and consistent performance, comparing him to successful management figures in other sports.

Ryan Russillo [04:44]: "I always felt like the people that were down on Caleb were never down on him about anything that they saw on the football field."

Jalen Hurts and Tier Two Dynamics

The conversation shifts to Jalen Hurts, who has seen a decrease in Tier One votes despite leading his team to a Super Bowl appearance. Sando attributes this to differing voter perspectives and Hurts' reliance on his running ability.

Mike Sando [10:27]: "People wouldn't think the Eagles or Hurts would be better served by opening it up more or having more on his arm."

Russillo emphasizes the acceptance of Hurts' position in Tier Two, highlighting that being ranked lower does not diminish his value.

Ryan Russillo [12:05]: "I think people are paying attention to the 10 and not the 2. And it’s totally okay."

Brock Purdy and Tua Tagovailoa Analysis

Mike Sando discusses Brock Purdy’s steady performance, noting his high EPA (Expected Points Added) per pass play over the past three seasons. However, he remains cautious about Purdy’s status as a dynamic or special quarterback.

Mike Sando [16:00]: "Purdy's clearly better than that and adds a little bit of a dimension with his running."

Tua Tagovailoa’s struggles are also examined, with Sando pointing out issues like injuries and limited role expansion hindering his performance.

Mike Sando [17:57]: "He’s at a crossroads... they probably take the ball out of the quarterback's hands there in Seattle and run it more."

Lamar Jackson’s Rise to Tier One

Lamar Jackson’s improvement over the past two seasons has elevated him to Tier One. Sando attributes this to Jackson enhancing his passing skills and overcoming previous playoff challenges.

Mike Sando [08:16]: "He’s been really good. Better as a passer. They put the ball in his hands more... the only thing he’s got to do now is push it even deeper in the playoffs."

Jackson's consistency and decision-making in high-stakes games have solidified his position among the elite quarterbacks.

Tier Two QBs: A Changing Landscape

Sando and Foxworth compare current Tier Two quarterbacks with those from previous years, noting a shift towards younger talent and fewer veterans in declining performance.

Mike Sando [07:26]: "Tier two from 2020 included veterans like Tom Brady and Matt Stafford, whereas this year it’s filled with younger names like Jaden Daniels and Justin Herbert."

Russillo observes that the current Tier Two class appears more stable and less in flux compared to earlier years.

Ryan Russillo [07:34]: "Tier two looks more certain with the younger quarterbacks emerging."

Caleb Williams: Future Concerns and Potential

A focal point of the episode is Caleb Williams, a top draft pick with high expectations. Sando expresses concerns about Williams’ ability to process the game quickly enough, a critical skill for maintaining a high-performance level in the NFL.

Mike Sando [21:58]: "Many voters were alarmed by his struggles processing the game fast enough. His sacks and the ability to get rid of the ball under duress are concerning."

Russillo, a Caleb Williams supporter, grapples with his current Tier Three ranking, questioning the collective evaluation despite Williams' impressive college performance.

Ryan Russillo [23:41]: "It's just fair to put Jaden Daniels in the middle of tier 2 and make him prove it again."

Sando advises patience, suggesting that Williams’ new system and development could improve his standing in future rankings.

Mike Sando [25:21]: "Let's give him this season with the new coordinator and see if he grows. This doesn't have to be a death sentence for him."

Ownership and the Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA)

Beyond quarterback rankings, the podcast touches upon broader NFL topics such as the CBA and the challenges of being an NFL owner. Foxworth shares insights into what ownership entails, emphasizing the complexities of decision-making and the influence of various stakeholders.

Dominique Foxworth: "What would it be like to be an owner? And his thoughts on Travis Hunter that are just so simple. They’re perfect."

The discussion also explores the difficulty of maintaining competitive parity within the league and the impact of ownership decisions on team performance and player welfare.

Conclusion

The episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the current quarterback landscape in the NFL, highlighting the dynamic shifts in tier rankings and the potential future trajectories of top talents like Caleb Williams and Lamar Jackson. With expert insights from Mike Sando and Domonique Foxworth, listeners gain a nuanced understanding of the factors influencing quarterback performance and the broader implications for team strategies and league policies.

Ryan Russillo [32:24]: "I love nerding out on that stuff with you, so always good to catch up."

Notable Quotes:

• Mike Sando [01:13]: "I think the largest may have been like nine... last year was only Burrow, Mahomes, and Allen because Lamar was just on the edge."
• Ryan Russillo [04:44]: "I always felt like the people that were down on Caleb were never down on him about anything that they saw on the football field."
• Mike Sando [17:57]: "He’s at a crossroads... they probably take the ball out of the quarterback's hands there in Seattle and run it more."
• Mike Sando [21:58]: "Many voters were alarmed by his struggles processing the game fast enough. His sacks and the ability to get rid of the ball under duress are concerning."
• Mike Sando [25:21]: "Let's give him this season with the new coordinator and see if he grows. This doesn't have to be a death sentence for him."

This episode provides listeners with an in-depth exploration of quarterback rankings, player development, and the strategic considerations that shape the NFL’s competitive landscape.