NFL Coach Reveals Caleb Williams' Big Advantage Over Justin Fields

Some people have constantly compared Justin Fields and Caleb Williams ahead of the scouting combine this week. A few can't understand why the Chicago Bears might prefer the USC standout over the current starter. On the surface, it looks like they're the same player. Both are good athletes with strong arms who tend to hold the ball longer than they should, searching for big plays. If the Bears are getting the same exact player, it would make more sense to stick with the guy you know over the one you don't, right?

As always, people who say this haven't done their homework. A closer inspection of Williams reveals a player far more advanced in certain areas. Yes, he does have a tendency to hold the ball at times, but that isn't the only thing he does. Unlike Fields, he wasn't blessed with an elite offensive line and weapons at Ohio State. USC was devoid of talent in both areas last year, which may have actually helped illustrate an overlooked truth about the projected #1 pick. He is a much faster processor than people give him credit for. Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune heard this from multiple people around the NFL.

He will not suffer the same fate Fields has.

Williams is a quick processor. He makes quick decisions. He has quick hands. That’s a quick catalyst to next-level success...

...One coach who has studied Fields extensively asserted that his passing production — an average of 174 yards over 38 NFL starts — seemingly was inhibited by a lack of quick-twitch quarterback reaction. That frequently prevented Fields from avoiding sacks or maneuvering into better throwing lanes in the pocket. Furthermore, the slow-developing mechanics of Fields’ draw and delivery also seemed to restrict the quick passing attack.

Those things, according to one longtime talent evaluator, don’t figure to be a problem for Williams when he sets foot on the NFL stage next fall.

“He’s going to have more than one 300-yard passing game next year,” the evaluator said. “I can confidently say that.”

Unlike Fields, Caleb Williams is capable of playing different styles.

Just because he didn't play from the pocket a lot last year doesn't mean he can't. There is enough evidence on tape to suggest Williams has a good feel in the pocket and can process information quickly. It is about finding a happy balance between operating with timing and rhythm and letting him use his incredible gifts for improvisation. It is no different from the challenge others like Joe Montana, Steve Young, John Elway, Ben Roethlisberger, and Patrick Mahomes faced when they got to the NFL. You can get away with scrambling around sometimes in the NFL, but not nearly as often as in college. Winning from the pocket is essential to long-term success.

That was the big concern many had about Fields. Even in college, there was evidence he had trouble processing things at high speed. Such is not the case with Caleb Williams. There are several instances on tape of him reading a situation quickly and making a snap decision. It is part of why so many people are high on him. They feel he has the foundation necessary to evolve into a star at the next level.