The Chicago Bears are one of the most interesting NFL teams to follow right now, because they’ve gone through a total makeover with both their coaching staff and squad while retaining just a few key players. One of those players, of course, is quarterback Caleb Williams.
The Bears drafted Williams with the No. 1 overall pick during the 2024 NFL draft, and while he was expected to have a huge rookie season, he fell a bit short. It wasn’t necessarily his fault, though, because he wasn’t really given all of the tool that he needed to thrive.
Now, he has those tools in new head coach Ben Johnson, who’s known for being one of the best offensive-minded coaches in the league. The Windy City is beyond pumped to have Johnson in the house, and from the glimpses that we’re seeing of the two working together during the offseason, it’s going well so far. By the early looks of things, the NFL better not sleep on what this duo could do.
Bears QB Caleb Williams is Constantly Underrated
Following Williams’ rookie season, which wasn’t as great as expected, it comes as no surprise that many in the NFL are putting Williams at the bottom, or near the bottom, of best-of quarterback rankings going into the 2025-26 season.
Pro Football Focus was one of the first outlets to come out with their preseason quarterback roster back in May, and they have Williams at No. 24. Now, this was before seeing any of the interaction between Johnson and Williams during the offseason, so they were only going back last season’s numbers.
“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 said in the May 20 piece. “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.”
Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports came out with his tally of the best quarterbacks heading into the new season on June 19, and he has Williams in a better spot at No. 18. He’s one spot ahead of Vikings quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who is from the same draft class as Williams.
“The No. 1 pick of a deep 2024 quarterback class, Williams was colorful, if erratic, in a debut under shaky coaching,” Benjamin states in the piece. “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?”
This is Caleb Williams’ Year
Either way, not enough in the NFL are taking the idea of Williams being one of the best quarterbacks in the league seriously. He has the raw talent and, now, the perfect coach to fine tune his skills.
“He’s committed to learning the offense,” Johnson said earlier this month via the Bears’ website. “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.”
Williams and Johnson seem to be getting along, and Williams obviously has respect for Johnson, which means that he’s not going to push back on any direction. It’s time for the NFL, and especially the NFC North, to take notice be prepared to see a totally different Williams than last season.
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