Will The Chicago Bears Draft Caleb Williams? 2024 NFL Draft Outlook

In the NFL, there's a constant search for franchise quarterbacks.

Finding one alters the entire trajectory for teams. Patrick Mahomes is heading to his fourth Super Bowl in the last five seasons. Joe Burrow filled in the gap. Lamar Jackson is on his way to his second MVP. And if you need evidence of what a lack of a high-caliber quarterback does, take a peek at how the NFC South performed in 2023.

That's why all eyes are on Caleb Williams for the 2024 NFL Draft. He's been widely regarded as the best prospect for several years now. However, the Bears, who own the top selection, have another quarterback on the roster who oozes potential.

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Caleb Williams 2023 Season Review

It's tough to call 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, and five interceptions a disappointing season, but that's where Caleb Williams lands entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

The hype machine was working overtime for Williams entering his junior season at USC. Fresh off of a Heisman Trophy campaign, sights were set on a National Championship for Williams and the preseason sixth-ranked Trojans. With some obvious holes in their defense, the Trojans lost five of their final six regular-season games and didn't carry a ranking into bowl games. A lot of his numbers came against far inferior competition. Some then cooled on Williams, who was supposed to be good enough to win despite the roster around him.

Still, Williams has a golden arm and can scramble with ease. It's all the tools that general managers salivate over when scouting quarterbacks.

Will The Chicago Bears Draft Caleb Williams?

Did the Bears show their hand early or is the NFL community reading too much into an offensive coordinator hire? Former Seattle play-caller, Shane Waldron, will roam the Chicago sidelines in 2024. He was lauded for converting Geno Smith into a starting quarterback rather than a journeyman backup.

Some believe the hire was an indication that the Bears wouldn't trade out of the 1.01, pairing the QB-whisperer Waldron with the can't-miss prospect in Williams. Others believe that he was hired regardless of which direction general manager Ryan Poles decides to take.

One thing is certain: The Bears won't hold on to Justin Fields and draft Williams with the top pick. The incumbent would either be traded or cut if the Bears keep their selection. This was the same dilemma Chicago faced exactly one year ago. They opted to trade down and let Carolina select Bryce Young. That, of course, turned out to be the correct move. This one is not as clear.

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