NFL's Strongest Arms: From Caleb Williams to Josh Allen

 Introduction: What Is Arm Strength in Football?

In the quarterback evaluation landscape, arm strength is often viewed as the raw ability to deliver the football with velocity and distance. While this trait alone doesn't define quarterback success, it opens up large portions of the field, enabling aggressive downfield attacks and keeping defenses honest. This analysis explores how Caleb Williams—a standout 2025 prospect—stacks up against current NFL elite throwers like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes, and rising college talent Jalen Milroe.

Section 1: Understanding Arm Strength vs. Arm Talent

• Arm strength is not just about distance. It refers to how fast and far a quarterback can throw the ball.

• Arm talent encompasses arm strength, release speed, ability to throw off-platform, adjust arm angles, and manipulate ball trajectory.

A quarterback with elite arm strength may throw the ball 70+ yards or zip it across the field on a line, but arm talent means being able to do that while on the move, under pressure, or in an unorthodox stance.

 Section 2: Caleb Williams – The Mahomes-Like Magician

Caleb Williams, 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and top contender in the 2025 NFL Draft, dazzles scouts with a skillset that’s frequently likened to Patrick Mahomes.

Strengths

• Off-platform throws: He consistently delivers accurate passes from awkward body angles.

• Velocity + mobility: Throws hard while on the move, maintaining a high completion rate even under duress.

• Creative playmaking: Makes highlight-reel throws that break defensive structure.

Limitations in Power

Despite his many strengths, Williams doesn't quite match the top-end arm velocity or deep-ball power of Josh Allen. Scouts estimate his max throw distance at around 60-65 yards, but his velocity hasn’t been officially clocked as high as Allen’s or Mahomes’.

 Section 3: Josh Allen – The Apex Predator of Arm Strength

Josh Allen has redefined how we view arm strength in football.

Metrics

• 74.3 mph throw velocity (ESPN’s Sport Science)

• 75+ yard throws recorded during pro day and warmups

• High launch angle velocity: Can throw long with a tight spiral and high speed

Game Impact

Allen’s arm changes how defenses line up. Safeties often have to play deeper, opening up underneath routes. The Bills utilize Allen’s strength to stretch defenses vertically and horizontally. Few quarterbacks can throw from their own 20 to the opposing 10 on a rope, but Allen makes it look effortless.

 Section 4: Patrick Mahomes – Creative Powerhouse

Patrick Mahomes may not top Allen in raw speed, but his functional arm strength paired with creativity makes him arguably the most dangerous quarterback.

Attributes

• Effortless launch: Can throw 65+ yards without stepping into it

• Angle manipulation: Releases from sidearm, three-quarter, or overhead based on need

• Moving platform mastery: Can throw across his body or while scrambling

Key Example

In the 2018 game vs. Denver, Mahomes completed a left-handed throw under pressure to convert a key third down—demonstrating his uncanny ability to improvise and still generate velocity.

Section 5: Jalen Milroe – 2025 Draft's Strongest Arm

Jalen Milroe, Alabama’s dual-threat QB, is a standout in the 2025 draft class for one specific reason: raw arm strength.

Highlights

• 55-60 yard throws with little effort

• Ball speed noted to be among the highest of any college QB

• Throwing on the move: Even while sprinting, maintains velocity and distance

Development Curve

While Milroe’s mechanics and decision-making are still under refinement, his arm tools put him in the same conversation as Allen and Mahomes for power. If developed correctly, he could become a transformational talent.

? Section 6: Velocity Comparisons – Who Throws the Hardest?

*Mahomes’ throw velocity is based on combine scouts’ estimates, no official published measurement exists like Allen's.

 Section 7: NFL and College Impact

NFL Playbooks

• Josh Allen expands route trees; coaches can call deep comeback routes and post corners with confidence.

• Mahomes enables every page of the playbook due to his improvisation.

• Williams provides a blend of Mahomes' creativity and above-average NFL velocity, making him ideal for systems like Shanahan’s.

• Milroe may fit a vertical offense like Bruce Arians’ old scheme, emphasizing chunk plays and big strikes.

Defensive Pressure

QBs with stronger arms reduce the margin for defenders to react, making it harder for defensive backs to intercept or break up passes. These QBs compress time windows and extend passing zones.

 Section 8: Mechanics Matter – How Strength is Built

Mechanics, footwork, and core strength are pivotal to maximizing arm output:

• Allen: Refined mechanics + massive frame (6’5", 240 lbs)

• Mahomes: Relies more on torque and shoulder rotation

• Williams: Excellent lower body torque + hip flexibility

• Milroe: Strong upper body, still refining hip drive

Section 9: Why Not Everyone Needs a Cannon

While having a cannon arm is a bonus, accuracy, anticipation, and decision-making often trump it:

• Drew Brees, Tom Brady, and Joe Burrow have succeeded with less-than-elite arm strength through precision and processing.

• Coaches now look for arm strength as a threshold, not a primary trait—unless your offense is specifically built around deep verticals.

 Section 10: Final Verdict

Each of these quarterbacks brings something special:

• Josh Allen: Strongest arm in NFL history (measured)

• Patrick Mahomes: Best combination of strength and creativity

• Caleb Williams: Elite arm talent with Mahomes-like qualities

• Jalen Milroe: Rising rocket arm of the 2025 draft

While Williams doesn’t top the list in pure velocity, his overall arm talent ranks among the league's best prospects.