The Chicago Bears are expected to select quarterback Caleb Williams first overall in next week’s NFL Draft, making the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner the centerpiece of the team’s offense.
Their intent became clear when they traded Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers last month. Barring a major surprise, commissioner Roger Goodell will say Williams’ name when he announces the pick.
Williams has all the qualities the Bears are looking for, from his arm power to his ability to outwit rivals who come under pressure. He is able to throw on the move and in the pocket, an aspect of the game that Fields struggled with.
During his final two seasons at USC, after one campaign at Oklahoma, Williams threw 72 touchdown passes against just 10 interceptions. He followed coach Lincoln Riley from Norman to Los Angeles and became the seventh member of the Trojans to win the Heisman Trophy in 2022.
The Bears concluded their second season under general manager Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus with a 7-10 record, after compiling a 3-14 record in 2022 and setting a team record for losses .
They own the first pick thanks to the trade made a year ago that allowed them to obtain receiver DJ Moore from the Carolina Panthers. The Bears gave the Panthers their first pick in 2023, first overall, for the first pick in 2024. Since the Panthers finished last overall in the NFL with a 2-15 record, the Bears inherited of the first choice.
Williams will be surrounded by good elements for the Bears, notably receivers Moore and Keenan Allen. They also have two reliable tight ends in Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett.
While it’s easy to predict the Bears’ pick at No. 1, it’s unclear what they’ll do with their pick at No. 9. They could go for another receiver or even a pressure specialist on the quarterback. The Bears have only two other picks, in the third round (75) and fourth round (122).
2024-04-18 21:47:00
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