The Chicago Bears have undergone a significant transformation in both their coaching staff and roster, keeping only a handful of key players, including quarterback Caleb Williams. Drafted first overall in the 2024 <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft, Williams’ rookie season did not quite meet the lofty expectations set for him, largely because he lacked the necessary support to fully showcase his skills.
Now, with new head coach Ben Johnson leading the team, known for his offensive expertise, Williams is equipped with the tools to improve markedly. Early signs from offseason practices between Johnson and Williams suggest a promising partnership that could change the outlook for the Bears. This burgeoning quarterback-coach relationship signals that the NFL should reassess its evaluation of Caleb Williams Bears NFL quarterback going into the new season.
Why Caleb Williams Remains Underrated by NFL Analysts
After a rookie season that fell short of many expectations, it is not surprising that Caleb Williams is often ranked near the bottom in preseason quarterback lists ahead of the 2025-26 season. Pro Football Focus placed Williams at No. 24 in their May quarterback rankings, relying primarily on his previous season’s performance without considering his offseason progress with the new coaching staff.
Touted as a generational talent by many, Williams underwhelmed as a rookie, earning just a 67.6 overall grade and posting only five single-game grades above 70.0,
John Kosko wrote in May.
The talent is undeniable, but his NFL success will hinge on learning to find open targets and avoiding the habit of running himself into pressure.
—John Kosko, Analyst
In June, CBS Sports analyst Cody Benjamin offered a slightly more optimistic ranking, placing Williams at No. 18, just ahead of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, his peer from the same draft class. Benjamin acknowledged Williams’ raw talent but also pointed to the shaky environment he played in during his rookie year.
The No. 1 pick of a deep 2024 quarterback class, Williams was colorful, if erratic, in a debut under shaky coaching,
Benjamin noted.
His supercharged arm and freestyling skills stand to benefit from Ben Johnson’s takeover on the sidelines, plus a newly fortified front featuring All-Pro Joe Thuney. Can he contain himself when he must?
—Cody Benjamin, CBS Sports
Looking Ahead: Caleb Williams’ Potential for the Coming Season
Many in the NFL still do not fully recognize Caleb Williams as a top-tier quarterback, but this season could prove to be different. Williams has the remarkable talent and, more importantly, now has a head coach who can help harness and refine his abilities to suit the professional game at a higher level.
He’s committed to learning the offense,
said Ben Johnson earlier this month.
We’re not where we need to be yet as a team, and he understands that. Any chance he gets to get a few more full-speed reps, it sounds like he wants them.
—Ben Johnson, Chicago Bears Head Coach
The mutual respect and strong working relationship between coach Johnson and Williams indicate a new chapter for the Bears’ quarterback. For the NFL and particularly the NFC North, it is important to prepare for a redefined Caleb Williams, one who can transform not only his own performance but also the entire team’s prospects this season.