New Details Emerge On Meetings Between Caleb Williams And Bears

The USC pro day took place on March 20th. Quarterback Caleb Williams was the star of the show, putting together a strong workout. He showcased the same arm strength and accuracy that made him a Heisman winner two years ago. The Chicago Bears brought all hands on deck for the event. GM Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus, and everybody else of note were there to watch. Even new receiver Keenan Allen was there. As it turns out, this wasn't the first time the two sides had come together since the combine.

According to Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune, the Bears had already met with Williams privately before the action. It involved having dinner with the quarterback and his teammates, then getting into the football stuff. Based on the information they've gathered, Williams is widely beloved by everybody who worked with him, and he has the necessary intelligence and work ethic they're looking for at that position. What they saw at the pro day was merely the last piece of a puzzle that had been forming for days.

Nothing has steered them away from the idea of drafting him.

First they met with Williams and a collection of USC teammates who also participated in Wednesday morning’s pro day on Monday night at the Bird Streets Club, a trendy private spot in West Hollywood. The Bears got to spend time with Williams and also see how he fit in with teammates.

They’ve gotten strong reviews in that area for months as they sought input from teammates, coaches and staff members past and present. What’s he like? How does he fit in? Is he authentic? The responses have been overwhelmingly positive.

On Tuesday, the team spent nearly half the day on campus with Williams at the football facility: talking ball, doing work on the whiteboard and watching film. Williams’ attention to detail struck the Bears. He was the one taking notes — not team officials — as they studied the game and sought insight into Williams’ acumen and how he processes and learns.

Caleb Williams appears to have closed the deal.

A private visit will still come in a couple of weeks. The Bears want to get him in their building, where they can spend plenty of time diving into the details. Still, it's hard not to feel like the point of no return has been reached. Unless one of the other quarterbacks makes a profound impression within the next 30 days, it feels like Williams has sewn up the #1 pick. All the myths about him being a questionable teammate or a diva have been debunked. You can still question his size and whether he can play faster from the pocket. Nobody can question his talent.

Chicago has done everything possible to prepare this roster to absorb a young quarterback. Braxton Jones and Darnell Wright are two promising tackles on the offensive line. Cole Kmet has emerged at tight end over the past couple of years. The big additions are wide receivers D.J. Moore and Keenan Allen, two genuine stars. Couple that with a deep running back group led by D'Andre Swift, and this might be the most well-balanced offense any Bears 1st round quarterback has ever stepped into.

Caleb Williams won't have any excuses. Few #1 picks get nice setups like this. If he's the real deal, he should have success right out of the gate.