Caleb Williams‘ rookie year with the Chicago Bears did not unfold as hoped after he was selected as the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears’ highly touted quarterback prospect faced significant difficulties throughout the season, fueling debate about his readiness and long-term prospects in the league.
In a revealing article published on Monday, Mike Sando of The Athletic highlighted a recent evaluation by a distinguished panel of league executives and coaches. This group, composed of six general managers, six assistant general managers, six former general managers, five other executives, eight head coaches, and nineteen assistant coaches, ranked Williams as the 23rd-best player at the quarterback position. They placed him in a Tier 3 category, noting he
“needs a heavier running game and/or defensive component to win.”
Insights from Coaches Highlight Williams’ Processing and Decision-Making Issues
Several coaches shared their observations with Sando after closely analyzing Williams’ performance during a tough stretch of games that saw the Bears fire both offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus midseason. One defensive coordinator expressed frustration, stating,
“He’s got the talent to go up, but in terms of processing ability and getting the ball out of his hands, it was the worst we played against.”
He added,
“He just holds the ball forever. I’m thinking, ‘The ball should go right there! Throw it! Throw it!’ And he did not throw it.”
Williams himself admitted early in training camp that protecting his offensive line needs improvement, especially after enduring 68 sacks last season—the highest in the league. Despite this, insiders remain optimistic that new head coach Ben Johnson, known for his offensive expertise, can help Williams correct the errors that led to those excessive sacks during his rookie campaign.
Comparing Caleb Williams’ Progress to Jayden Daniels
The stark contrast between Williams’ rookie season and that of Jayden Daniels, the Washington Commanders’ quarterback who earned Offensive Rookie of the Year honors last year, is frequently noted. Daniels, selected second overall in the previous draft, helped lead his team to the NFC Championship Game in January. One head coach acknowledged Williams’ potential, saying,
“He is definitely a [Tier] 1 talent,”
but cautioned,
“I just think it’s going to take him longer than Jayden Daniels. He is not playing fast right now. There is something there. His processing to me was alarming watching the tape.”
Statistical Overview of Williams’ Rookie Year
According to Pro Football Reference data, Caleb Williams ended the 2024 regular season ranked 31st among NFL qualified passers, posting a 46.7 adjusted quarterback rating and a 62.5 percent completion rate. Over 17 starts, he completed 20 touchdown passes against six interceptions, numbers that reflect both struggles and flashes of potential.
Concerns Arise During Training Camp and Preseason
Some recent reports during training camp have raised additional worries among Bears fans and media members about Williams’ readiness. One coach remarked,
“You saw signs and ability, and I also think you saw signs and ability that scare you.”
He continued,
“Nervousness in the pocket, inability to see and play on time. But I do not know yet if that was him or coaching. Parts of me wondered if you could get it done with this guy, but it’s good enough to make you think you have a chance.”
Looking Ahead to the Upcoming Season Debut
The question remains whether Williams will take part in preseason games against the Buffalo Bills on August 17 or the Kansas City Chiefs on August 22. If he does not, his first opportunity to perform in newly installed head coach Ben Johnson’s system will be during Chicago’s season opener. The Bears will host the Minnesota Vikings on Monday Night Football, September 8, providing a national stage for Williams to showcase his development.