USC Insider Quiets Biggest Fear About Drafting Caleb Williams

When discussing what the Chicago Bears will do with the #1 overall pick, the general consensus among insiders and experts is they will select Caleb Williams. He's been the heavy favorite to be that pick since the end of his sophomore season in 2022. Not much has changed. While his 2023 season wasn't as good as many expected, it wasn't by any means bad. He still looked like a special player for long stretches. While Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are excellent prospects, Williams remains the favorite for most.

Even so, plenty of Bears fans remain skeptical of the idea. Fears linger about Williams' mental toughness. They wonder if he's too much of a "me" guy and lacks the leadership qualities necessary to be a winner. Not to mention the questions of mental toughness in a rabid sports town like Chicago. The Chicago Bears Podcast hosted Antonio Morales, the USC Insider for The Athletic. Based on his experience, he explained that while Williams isn't perfect, there have never been any concerns about his status as a teammate or leader.

Caleb Williams handled the spotlight well.

Keep in mind he was playing for a program with a media presence that rivals the biggest NFL teams. The attention was always on him and he still played good football most of the year. He did this despite a frankly mediocre team around him. Here's a number for you. Williams is often ranked #1 or #2 on most draft boards going into the spring. Only two of his teammates rank in the top 75. One is wide receiver Brenden Rice and the other is safety Calen Bullock. That's it. People blaming Williams for the Trojans going 7-6 should step back and wonder how bad it could've been if he weren't there.

The Bears want a quarterback who can put a team on his shoulders. Caleb Williams did that for three years in college, even as a freshman at Oklahoma. He might not be perfect, but he's still a kid. Kids have lots of room to grow. It would be up to Chicago to help him do that. They've already put an offensive system in place that is renowned for being QB-friendly. D.J. Moore is a star at wide receiver. Cole Kmet is a reliable tight end. They can run the ball well. A little more fortifying of the offensive line, and this is the ideal situation for a young QB to step into. If that guy is Williams, it sounds like he's ready for the challenge.