Report: The Chicago Bears ‘cheated’ the pre-draft process by having Caleb Williams ready to play
According to an NFL insider, the Chicago Bears “subtly cheated” the NFL Pre-Draft process by preparing a rookie quarterback to start in Week 1 while preparing to choose Caleb Williams with the first choice. The Bears made multiple steps to get the offense in top form before a rookie quarterback was ready to take over for Justin Fields. Caleb Williams has been designated the Chicago Bears’ QB1. As previously discussed on CCS, head coach Matt Eberflus announced Williams as the starter for the 2024 season:
When asked if there were any doubts regarding Caleb Williams’ starting spot, Eberflus responded as follows: “No conversation,” Eberflus said. “He’s the starter.” During the press conference, Eberflus continued to compliment Williams as a person.
“I’ve said it before: you can really tell he’s comfortable in his own skin and he is who he is,” said Eberflus. “His personality begins. His brilliance emanates from the within. You can surely feel the energy. He believes that one plus one equals three. He is an enhancer. He’s a guy who brings out the best in others. You can feel it in him after only five minutes of meeting him.”
The Bears and Williams are poised for success. Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated praised the Bears’ choice to anoint Williams the starting quarterback before the rookie had a single official workout in OTAs. Breer believes that each rookie quarterback’s circumstance is unique; some should rest for a year, while others are ready to play in Week 1.
Breer believes Williams and the Bears are an ideal match for a rookie quarterback due to their respective talents. Williams possesses the necessary imagination and improvisational skills to get through his rookie season. This offseason, the Bears expanded their receiver corps and signed Pro Bowl running back D’Andre Swift to help Williams improve. The organization also feels Williams can deal with hardship on the field.
The Bears “cheated” throughout the pre-draft process. According to Breer, these were the reasons why the Bears handed Williams inside knowledge before formally drafting him:
All of this explains why Chicago slightly violated the process by putting Williams ahead of the competition when evaluating him as a prospect. Prior to the draft and during the 30 visit, the Bears taught the 2022 Heisman winner offensive terminology, quarterbacking footwork, and a little dropback game. The Bears’ offensive coaches also collaborated with USC’s coaches from last season to identify elements that crossed over.
Of course, there will be changes for the quarterback. The most significant change will be from an operational sense, as he will no longer receive signals from the sidelines or use a clap cadence. Another goal will be to improve your ability to play from beneath center. However, the Bears believe they are well-positioned to provide Williams with an immediate opportunity to excel. That’s why there was no use in waiting to toss him out there.
The Bears could have signed Williams before the draft. However, general manager Ryan Poles was willing to play the game to the NFL’s advantage on draft night, waiting many minutes on the clock before officially revealing his selection of Williams. However, there was no doubt the Bears would select Williams with the first pick. They went above and above what most teams do by establishing him as a leader before day one. It is now up to Williams to be ready on the field in Week 1.