There's a new sheriff in town for the Chicago Bears, and the team is working hard to get him ready for the upcoming NFL season. The Bears are working around the clock to prep and train no.1 overall NFL Draft pick Caleb Williams, per Bleacher Report.
“The Bears are working overtime to get him used to taking the ball under center, shotgun, play-action, all the nuances of their NFL-style offense, which he didn't always use at USC,” ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said, as reported by Bleacher Report. “I'm told he's really taken to that.”
Chicago has their man after searching this offseason for a new gunslinger. The Bears parted ways with Justin Fields, who left for the Steelers. Fields was hurt during the 2023 season, and Chicago couldn't find a consistent answer to replace him in time to save the campaign. The Bears are coming off a 7-10 season, and fans are hoping for something better in 2024.
Williams is given the keys to Chicago's offense
Chicago used their no. 1 overall pick on Williams, a quarterback who played for USC football. During his final season of college football, Williams threw for 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns. USC struggled down the stretch, unable to stop teams on defense and it cost them some games. Williams had a better season statistically in 2022, when he finished the year with more than 4,000 passing yards and 42 touchdowns for the Trojans. He also played at Oklahoma in college.
The Bears are working to expand his overall game, and apparently are staying patient with their rookie quarterback. The franchise has never had a 4,000 yard passer in its history, per Bleacher Report. Williams has proven in college that he can handle that workload. Chicago is hoping that it translates to the NFL level.
“I've spoken to his personal quarterback coach Will Hewlett, who got him ready for the draft, who says since early April he's been working on the Bears' scheme, cadence, footwork and that he knows that's going to protect him long-term,” Fowler added. “He's also using his arm strength to try to see what he can get away with at OTAs, resulting in the occasional inaccurate pass to interception. That's okay, trying to work out the kinks until September.”
Chicago is taking other steps to protect Williams
The Bears are also adding some other offensive weapons to the arsenal this offseason. The team drafted wide receiver Rome Odunze from Washington football with another first round pick. The two rookies seem to be getting along quite well together, as they have been seen around Chicago at Cubs games and local bars.
Chicago is also adding to its offensive line. The Bears signed two veteran free-agent linemen this offseason, in Coleman Shelton and Jake Curhan. Both signed one-year contracts, so this season means a lot to the future of several different players on the Chicago roster.
Bears fans are certainly salivating to see how the chips fall for their beloved franchise.
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