The Chicago Bears appear to be leaning towards selecting Caleb Williams with the #1 pick in the upcoming draft, although the final decision won’t be made until April. Numerous national insiders have been hinting at this possibility for almost a month, indicating a growing consensus. This swift conclusion is remarkable, considering the strength of the quarterback class in the 2024 draft, which includes notable prospects like Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and J.J. McCarthy. One would expect the race for the top pick to be more prolonged after the end of the season.

While there is still a chance for things to change, with prospect interviews and private visits yet to occur, the Bears seem relatively unconcerned about potential red flags that may arise during these processes. It appears to be a mere formality at this point. According to a source, GM Ryan Poles and the team have been enamored with Williams since his freshman year at Oklahoma. They had minimal concerns in that regard. Their recent efforts focused on gathering information about his leadership qualities, teamwork, and character. The crucial moment came during a meeting in Los Angeles with former USC quarterbacks coach Kliff Kingsbury and head coach Lincoln Riley.

During this meeting, Kingsbury and Riley provided extensive insights into Williams, shedding light on his work ethic and competitive nature. The conversation proved to be enlightening and alleviated any remaining doubts the Bears had about the young quarterback.

The Caleb Williams research isn’t over yet

While GM Ryan Poles is known for his objective approach and not being swayed by personal bias, he recognizes that coaches often speak highly of their players. The insights provided by Kliff Kingsbury and Lincoln Riley were helpful, but Poles understands the importance of verifying their claims. Over the next month, Poles will meet Caleb Williams in person and subject him to rigorous evaluations. Chicago will thoroughly test his physical capabilities as a passer, assess his ability to absorb and communicate information on the whiteboard, and ask questions to gauge his commitment to the team versus individual interests.

It is widely acknowledged that this decision is the most crucial the Bears have faced in perhaps a decade. In their long history, the franchise has never selected a quarterback with the #1 overall pick, and Caleb Williams may become the first. Consequently, there will be immense pressure and expectations placed upon him. Poles has expressed his goal of finding someone mentally tough enough to handle the demands of playing in a city like Chicago, which requires a level of fortitude that not everyone possesses. While Williams’ coaches believe he possesses that toughness, only time will tell if their assessment proves accurate.