USC Football: GM Of Possible Caleb Williams Destination Likely To Draft A QB

Should Caleb Williams declare for the NFL Draft — and his father has inferred that he might not depending on his potential landing spot — he will be the No. 1 overall pick. Signed, sealed, and delivered.

As Brad Biggs of the Chicago Tribune noted, some have called Williams the best quarterback draft prospect since Andrew Luck. His ability to throw off-balance, use his legs to get downfield, and create positive plays after the pocket collapses is reminiscent of Patrick Mahomes.

This obviously means expectations for Williams will be high. Even for as talented a prospect as Williams, adjusting to life in the NFL is no small task.

If the season were to end today, the Chicago Bears would have the first overall pick, courtesy of the 0-6 Carolina Panthers, who traded it to the Bears last season. Because of their poor record, 1-5, they would also have the second overall pick.

The Bears took quarterback Justin Fields two years ago in the 2021 NFL Draft with the 11th overall pick. Fields has put together a mixed performance, showing flashes last season, but had mostly disappointed in 2023 until facing the Denver Broncos and Washington Commanders, two of the bottom four defenses in opponent points per game.

Fields is now sidelined with a thumb injury on his throwing hand, which could keep him out for multiple weeks.

All signs point towards the Bears drafting Williams with the first pick (and perhaps stud receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the second?). But for Williams, it might not be the ideal spot.

The Bears have drafted 32 quarterbacks in the Super Bowl era, and, as Biggs notes, only one, Jim Harbaugh, has gone on to make 100 regular season starts. The Bears have struggled to combine winning seasons, finishing above .500 just seven times in the last 23 seasons. With head coach Matt Eberflus' job likely safe after this season — especially if Fields misses extended time — he could be facing a make-it-or-break-it season in his third year at the helm. 

Chicago could prove too volatile a franchise for Williams' liking, although this is admittedly pure speculation. Only time will tell whether the 2022 Heisman winner will return to USC for another season or enter the 2024 NFL draft.

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