In the lead-up to April’s NFL Draft, all eyes are on USC quarterback Caleb Williams who is expected to be drafted by the Chicago Bears with the first overall pick.
However, drama has swirled around the situation due to rumors that Williams may not want to play for the Bears.
The football world has been wondering if Williams might take a page out of John Elway and Eli Manning’s playbook and try to wiggle out of the Bears grasp.
"Because the previous regime passed up on Patrick Mahomes and Deshaun Watson to move up in the draft to take Mitchell Trubisky, there's even more pressure on this franchise to get Caleb Williams."
—@stephenasmith on the Bears pic.twitter.com/F0lbtwQeAo
— First Take (@FirstTake) February 28, 2024
Perhaps Williams’ rumored dissatisfaction with Chicago will encourage the Bears to trade the pick and draft another quarterback, such as Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels or local-boy J.J. McCarthy.
Wild: Dan Orlovsky says the #Bears should draft LSU QB Jayden Daniels with their #1 pick. And pass up on USC QB Caleb Williams.
(h/t @awfulannouncing)
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) February 29, 2024
Perhaps Chicago still believes that current quarterback Justin Fields is the answer.
Justin Fields has more highlights in 4 quarters vs the Eagles, than Jordan Love has in 4 years in the NFL. pic.twitter.com/KVy5a5CTjl
— illwill (@79illwill) March 27, 2023
In reality, the Bears won’t (nor shouldn’t) be influenced in any way, shape or form by what Williams may or may not think of them.
Williams has no say in who drafts him … Of course, he could hold-out in protest – but there’s zero chance of that actually happening.
As a matter of fact, Williams – perhaps in a PR move – felt the need to publicly address the rumor and make it clear that he has nothing against the Bears and would be honored to be drafted by them.
Caleb Williams has big dreams after studying MJ and Sweetness. pic.twitter.com/IuDAFlSCx5
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) February 28, 2024
“If I get drafted by the Bears, I’ll be excited. If they trade the pick, and I get drafted by someone else, I’m just as excited,” Williams told ESPN’s Pete Thamel. “Speaking about Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented offense and defense. For anyone to be in that situation, I think they’d be excited.”
“I’m not pushing any agenda,” he added. “At the end of the day, the Bears have the last say. Regardless of how I feel, I’m not pushing an agenda of, ‘Yeah, I want to go. Or no, I don’t want to go.’ I’m excited for whatever comes.”
Caleb Williams says he would be “excited” if the Bears take him No. 1 overall in this year’s NFL draft 😎
More on the story from @PeteThamel: https://t.co/Ju19fMJr5u pic.twitter.com/EMFixBercn
— ESPN (@espn) February 28, 2024
As for what he’s looking for out of whoever drafts him, Williams said he’s motivated by a winning environment.
“Just the constant growth and change, that’s important whether you are a quarterback or wide receiver or a general manager or an owner or an organization,” he said. “Just a healthy situation — in the facility, with the players — and just a place that really wants to win.”
If the Bears draft Caleb Williams, the locker room would be lost.
Trade down and build a dynasty around JF1 🐻⬇️ pic.twitter.com/ffI8ajBcKz
— Justin Fields Fan Club (@JustinFieldsFC) February 25, 2024
There’s a strong likelihood that Chicago drafts Williams. After all, they have been searching for a true franchise quarterback for virtually the entire history of their franchise.
Many “experts” believe Williams is a Patrick Mahomes clone … In reality, that comparison is probably unrealistic.
Williams has more flaws than what some people like to admit.
.@MoveTheSticks on Caleb Williams' concerning habits and a tough decision at #1 overall for the Bears. pic.twitter.com/Dtu9Lraf6U
— Jim Rome (@jimrome) February 27, 2024
Besides his physical talent, Mahomes’ biggest strengths are his unselfishness, team-first attitude and overall leadership … Those three things have all been seriously question with Williams who many see as an egomaniac diva.
His father asking for ownership of the team that drafts him doesn’t help matters…
Caleb Williams’ father reportedly asked about a possible ownership stake in his future team, as well as whether or not it’d be possible for Caleb to avoid rookie contract rules
Seems like a lot for someone who hasn’t thrown an NFL pass yet, right?https://t.co/LB1LeGB2fn
— OutKick (@Outkick) February 29, 2024
What are your thoughts on Williams?
Is he the can’t-miss prospect that many feel he is? … Or do you think he is a tad overrated?
Should the Bears draft him first overall???