Caleb Williams Has Ties To Another Possible Bears 1st Round Target

The Chicago Bears will take Caleb Williams #1 overall. Every sign on planet Earth points in that direction. Most experts agree it's a formality at this point. The true intrigue for fans is what GM Ryan Poles might do at the #9 pick. There is no shortage of possibilities. Some think he will target a pass rusher, hoping to get a dynamic threat across from Montez Sweat. Others believe the smart play is adding a top offensive tackle, securing Williams' blind side. Yet the majority of people think this is a golden opportunity to get him another weapon at wide receiver, especially considering how strong this class is.

Initial projections have the likeliest name falling to #9 being Washington's Rome Odunze. There is nothing wrong with that. His understated speed, mixed with good size and excellent hands make him a threat in any situation. However, it is worth asking if Williams might want a say in this. That may sound odd, considering he's not even on the team yet, but there is a reason to mention this. The young quarterback already has an established relationship with one of the draft's top receivers, according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune.

LSU's Malik Nabers.

Nabers was nonchalant this month in tracing the roots of his relationship with Williams to their shared enjoyment of “Call of Duty.” Gamers gonna game, right?

“I talk to Caleb all the time,” Nabers said during his formal Q&A session with reporters at the NFL combine in Indianapolis. “He always talks about how I’m a great receiver.”

Caleb Williams has a sharp eye.

Nabers was a terror last season for the Tigers, showcasing his rare blend of blazing speed and route-running skill. He's a big play waiting to happen, earning comparisons to a little-known NFL kid named D.J. Moore. That by itself should have the Bears interested. Unfortunately, the buzz around him has reached a fever pitch after his stellar pro day performance, where he posted a 4.35 in the 40-yard dash. NFL teams loved speed. Many evaluators believe Nabers is the best receiver in the class, even over Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr.

So the odds of him reaching #9 are low. Either the Bears would have to get lucky or they would have to move up. Given how few picks they have (4), the latter seems unlikely. Still, the idea he and Caleb Williams already share some chemistry from their mutual love of gaming is a great foundation to work from. The quarterback has already thrived with receivers of his type before. First it was Marvin Mims at Oklahoma and then Jordan Addison at USC. Giving him the chance to throw to Moore, Nabers, and Keenan Allen would be unfair.