One Other NFL Draft QB Has Fans Among Chicago Bears Brass

If you've been following all of the breadcrumbs over the past month, one thing has become clear. Caleb Williams is the heavy favorite to go #1 overall in the 2024 draft, and the Chicago Bears are expected to be the team that takes him. The USC star made a lot of positive impressions in his first meeting with the team at the scouting combine. He was also talked up by teammates and coaches leading up to that. Dianna Russini of The Athletic indicated their impressions of him have only improved since. However, there is one thing to remember about the draft evaluation process.

There is rarely a full consensus inside the organization.

It was true in 2017 and 2021. While GM Ryan Pace preferred both Mitch Trubisky and Justin Fields in those respective drafts, it was later revealed there were dissenters in the draft room. Several liked Patrick Mahomes and Mac Jones more. Pace had the final say, so that's how it went. As it turns out, the same is true for this year. Plenty of key people in Halas Hall have bought into Williams as the guy. Not everybody, though. According to a source, there is a sect of people in the front office and scouting department who have a strong liking for Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.

While they acknowledge his need for further development as a passer, his talent and excellent intangibles, charisma, leadership, and poise under pressure make for an intriguing prospect.

The Chicago Bears haven't made a final decision yet.

Williams is the undeniable leader in the clubhouse, but there are still pro days and private visits to get through. A lot can change in that time span. McCarthy might not have the glittering stats Williams does, but he's 27-1 as a starter with a national championship ring on his finger. He is all about the success of the team, even if that means not putting up stellar stat lines. His job is to be ready whenever his coaches ask him to make a play. That is exactly what he did over and over and over last season.

The problem is McCarthy might not be ready to start immediately. Most experts agree he needs a year of development before he's ready. That means the Chicago Bears would need a bridge option to buy time. Maybe they hang onto Justin Fields for another year, or they could dip into the free agent quarterback pool. The source said they have checked in on what Kirk Cousins, Baker Mayfield, and Russell Wilson are asking for.

If the Bears do have serious interest in McCarthy, that would fan the flames of a possible trade down from #1 overall. It doesn't feel likely at this point, but it only takes one person to change that: Poles.