With the first overall pick in the NFL Draft, the Chicago Bears draft Caleb Williams — quarterback out of USC. Williams was widely viewed as the best quarterback and player in this draft class and a truly can’t-miss prospect. Let’s take a look at what Caleb Williams brings to the Bears.
Caleb Williams NFL Draft Profile 2024
Caleb Williams
Position: QB
Height: 6’1″
Weight: 214 lbs
Age: 22
College: USC Trojans
Caleb Williams Highlights
Caleb Williams Combine Results
Unfortunately, we did not get to see Caleb Williams perform at the 2024 NFL Combine. He is the consensus future first-overall pick, so there was no pressure for him to participate in any of the drills.
However, we did get to see Williams perform at USC’s pro-day. He attempted around 50 pass attempts with only four of those hitting the ground. His accuracy was phenomenal, as well as the timing on his throws. He also looked extremely comfortable while throwing on the run, which is a valuable trait for a QB to possess in the NFL today. Williams was seen talking to new Chicago Bears WR Keenan Allen, which is a dead giveaway that he will inevitably be drafted by Chicago with the first pick.
RELATED | Full Caleb Williams NFL Draft Profile, Highlights and Stats
Caleb Williams Scouting Report
Strengths
There are too many strengths to name when it comes to Williams’ game. He is considered a can’t-miss QB who gets compared to John Elway, Andrew Luck and Trevor Lawrence as a prospect. His arm strength and ability to throw on the run stand out the most. He has some Josh Allen/Patrick Mahomes comparisons when you watch his ability to extend plays down the field while playing outside of the pocket.
He was forced to improvise at times because his team was mostly trailing due to poor play by USC’s defense. This is similar to what we saw from Patrick Mahomes coming out of college at Texas Tech. The situation he endured at USC is similar to what he will be dealing with in the NFL, so he will be able to translate better than most college passers. He had a touchdown-to-interception ratio of 46:1 during his two seasons at USC. This “video game-like” stat gives us a glimpse at the kind of player Williams can become in the NFL.
Weaknesses
A weakness that stands out with Williams is that he tends to play “hero ball” at times. Granted, USC’s defense was atrocious in 2023 so he was doing everything he could to keep his team competitive. He needs to be better about taking what the defense gives him and playing within the construct of the offense. New Chicago Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldon, who branches from the McVay tree, will be able to improve this issue by setting Williams up for success with solid play calling.
What to Expect From Caleb Williams in 2024
After missing on Mitch Trubisky and Justin Fields in recent drafts, the Bears take another swing with USC quarterback Caleb Williams. Given the weapons that the Bears have built up with D.J. Moore, Cole Kmet, Keenan Allen and D’Andre Swift recently, Williams lands in a perfect spot. Being compared to John Elway, Andrew Luck and Trevor Lawrence, there are a ton of expectations for Williams. While it is exciting, it is more likely that Williams will need a couple of games or even a season to conform to the NFL game. With the Detroit Lions probably repeating in winning the division, the Bears do have an opportunity to take second and steal a wild card. Based upon their past seasons, an upgrade at quarterback may be just what they need.
Chicago’s quarterback situation has been historically bad, but I am not sure that they have had an opportunity to use a player as skilled as Williams. Williams should propel the Bears to a better record than last year, but expecting a top-10 quarterback season may be a little advantageous. I think we will really understand who this Bears team is come 2025 or 2026, but with Williams having the opportunity to be the best quarterback in Chicago history, the future is bright in Chicago.
