Even if the Chicago Bears won’t publicly acknowledge it, USC standout quarterback Caleb Williams appears to be the team’s choice with the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Williams threw for over 10,000 passing yards in three seasons with the Trojans and Oklahoma Sooners in college. He is considered one of the top quarterback prospects in recent memory and a sure-fire pick for the top overall selection in April.
As the team that owns the top overall pick, it’s up to general manager Ryan Poles and the rest of the Bears’ scouting staff to make sure they are prepared for the coming months ahead.
Bears Doing “Crap-Load” of Work on Quarterback Room
On a radio hit with ESPN Chicago, NFL Analyst Albert Breer stated that the team has done “a crap-load of work” on the projected top overall player in the draft class.
“The Bears are really well into the process on Caleb Williams,” Breer added. “(Ryan) Poles has a pretty firm idea on what he’s doing.”
While Chicago is expected to select Williams with the top overall pick, former 11th overall selection Justin Fields is still under contract with the organization. That may be changing, though, according to the Bears’ top executive in the front office.
“It just depends what opportunities pop up…if we go down that road, I want to do right by Justin (Fields),” Poles explained regarding trade conversations surrounding Fields. “We’ll move as quickly as possible and do what’s best for the organization.”
Fields has thrown for over 6,000 yards in three seasons with Chicago while throwing 40 touchdowns to 30 interceptions. His 10-28 record as a starter has been an issue, though, as the Bears look to get the most out of their talented roster.
That, among many other reasons, is why it appears the Bears are doing all their work on scouting the top overall rookie in the 2024 Draft class.
Bears’ Coaching Staff at the NFL Combine
Indianapolis will be one of the first times this offseason where Chicago will be able to talk directly to the top quarterback prospects this year. During those discussions, watching tapes, addressing the offensive philosophy, and competitive games will be introduced to each player.
“It’ll be the same process,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus explained. “We’ll take him into the room, and I’ll ask if they want to do darts or putting. After that, we’ll teach them something about the offense and then check out their tape. It’s the same process for all the players.”
In regards to the relationship with Williams and the potential increase in scouting conversations, Chicago’s head coach made it clear that they were doing exactly what they would for any prospect during this process.
KEEP READING: GM Ryan Poles Provides Update on Trade Talks Around No. 1 Pick
“You do it the same every year. You want to have a thorough evaluation of all the players because you look at those evaluations. You do it the same.”
All eyes will be on what Chicago does with Fields in the next few weeks as they look to find a suitable trade partner. After that, though, it appears it’s full steam ahead for Williams to be the new starting quarterback in the Windy City.
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