In order for Caleb Williams to develop under Ben Johnson, the Bears will require assistance at these four positions.
In Order for Caleb Williams to Develop Under Ben Johnson, the Bears Will Require Assistance at These Four Positions
The Chicago Bears find themselves in a pivotal position as they look ahead to the 2025 season and beyond. With the acquisition of a potential franchise quarterback in Caleb Williams, the future of the team could be much brighter, but success for the Bears will hinge on giving their young signal-caller the best possible foundation for development. Caleb Williams is widely regarded as one of the most promising quarterbacks to enter the NFL in recent memory, and the Bears, under head coach Matt Eberflus and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, will have to build around him to maximize his potential.
One of the primary aspects of this development will be ensuring that Williams has the right environment to grow into a leader and a consistent force on the field. But while Williams’ natural talent is undeniable, the Bears will need to provide additional support through key personnel on both sides of the ball. It’s no secret that, over the past few seasons, the Bears have struggled with their roster, especially in areas that are crucial to a quarterback’s development. To ensure that Caleb Williams becomes the best version of himself, the Bears will need help in four key areas: offensive line, wide receiver, running back, and defense.
This article will delve into why these four positions are so crucial for Caleb Williams’ success and how the Bears can address them during the upcoming draft and free agency periods. Each of these positions plays a vital role in giving Williams the time, protection, support, and balance he needs to flourish in the NFL.
1. Offensive Line: Protecting Caleb Williams’ Future
Arguably the most important position group for the Bears to address is the offensive line. A quarterback, no matter how talented, cannot succeed without adequate protection. For a player like Caleb Williams, who is still in the developmental stage of his career, a strong offensive line is essential for building confidence and allowing him to work through his progressions. Over the past few years, the Bears’ offensive line has been a significant weakness, often allowing pressure to disrupt plays and limiting the potential of their quarterbacks.
While the Bears have invested in their offensive line in recent years, the unit still lacks the consistency needed to protect a franchise quarterback. If the Bears hope to develop Caleb Williams properly, they need to provide him with the time and space to read defenses, survey the field, and make the right decisions. Offensive lines in the NFL are often tested by elite pass rushers, and the Bears will need to invest in high-quality blockers who can provide Williams with a clean pocket.
An ideal solution for the Bears would be to add talent through both the draft and free agency. In the draft, the Bears could target high-caliber offensive linemen who can start right away and make an immediate impact. Whether through picking a top-tier tackle or interior lineman, the team needs to provide Williams with the protection to avoid frequent hits and sacks, which could impede his development.
In free agency, the Bears might look for veterans who can help anchor the offensive line, either as starters or experienced depth pieces. A veteran presence can help stabilize the line and provide leadership as the younger players develop. Moreover, the Bears may also consider shifting positions along the offensive line to find a more optimal fit for their future starting unit.
2. Wide Receiver: Building a Strong Arsenal for Caleb Williams
A quarterback’s success is often directly linked to the talent surrounding him at wide receiver. Even with a great offensive line, if a quarterback doesn’t have reliable weapons to throw to, his development can be stunted. For Caleb Williams, having a solid group of wide receivers who can create separation, make plays, and help him build rapport will be crucial for his growth. At the moment, the Bears’ receiving corps is among the weakest in the NFL. While Darnell Mooney has shown flashes of promise, the overall talent at wide receiver remains lacking.
The Bears must make a concerted effort to build a dynamic receiving corps around Caleb Williams. The wide receiver position has to be addressed, whether through the draft or free agency. A strong No. 1 receiver is essential, someone who can consistently win one-on-one matchups, stretch the field, and give Williams the opportunity to make big plays down the field. Additionally, the Bears will need a reliable second option who can move the chains and provide a safety valve for Williams when under pressure.
The 2025 draft class offers several elite wide receiver prospects, and the Bears could take advantage of this by selecting a high-impact player with their first pick. A player who excels in route running, has elite speed, and has the ability to make contested catches could be an excellent addition to the offense. In free agency, the Bears could target established veterans who have experience and can immediately contribute, giving Williams a proven playmaker to rely on as he adjusts to the NFL.
A strong wide receiver group would provide Caleb Williams with a deeper arsenal of weapons, increasing his chances for success. With more talented receivers at his disposal, he would be able to focus on distributing the ball to the right targets, leading to a more efficient and dangerous offense.
3. Running Back: Taking Pressure Off Caleb Williams
The Bears have an opportunity to alleviate some of the pressure on Caleb Williams by establishing a strong running game. A solid running back room not only gives a quarterback a reliable outlet option when passing lanes are clogged, but it also helps set up play-action opportunities, creating a more balanced offense. A strong ground game also allows a young quarterback to lean on the running back and establish a rhythm, which is essential for building confidence early in their career.
While the Bears have had some success with running backs like Khalil Herbert, the position group could still use an upgrade. A dynamic running back who can break big runs, gain yards after contact, and serve as a reliable pass catcher out of the backfield would take significant pressure off Williams. Moreover, a more effective running game would help keep defenses honest and prevent them from loading the box to stop the Bears’ running backs.
In the draft, the Bears could target a running back who fits their offensive philosophy and provides balance in their offensive attack. A running back with home-run speed or excellent vision could create an immediate impact. For the 2025 season, the Bears may also look to add an experienced running back in free agency, someone with leadership qualities who can mentor the younger players and contribute in short-yardage situations.
With a reliable running back or two in the backfield, Caleb Williams would have the freedom to work in a balanced offense, giving him the necessary tools to develop into the leader the Bears hope he will become.
4. Defense: Providing Support for Caleb Williams
While the primary focus for the Bears will be on the offensive side of the ball, having a strong defense is equally important to helping Caleb Williams develop. As a young quarterback, Williams will face challenges, including difficult game situations, turnovers, and opposing defenses that will test him. One way the Bears can help him is by constructing a defense that can take some of the pressure off of their rookie quarterback by keeping games close and allowing him to work through mistakes without always having to fight from behind.
The Bears have a solid defensive foundation, but they need additional help in key areas. Specifically, bolstering the defensive line and secondary would make a significant impact. A formidable pass rush can take pressure off of Williams by forcing opposing quarterbacks into quick throws, leading to more opportunities for turnovers and shorter possessions for the opposing offense. A defense that consistently gets stops also provides the offense with better field position and more opportunities to put up points.
In free agency, the Bears could target pass rushers, whether through signing proven veterans or taking a risk on young, emerging talents. Improving the secondary would also give Williams more confidence, knowing that the defense has the ability to force turnovers and limit big plays. A well-rounded defense, with an elite defensive line and secondary, will give the Bears a competitive edge and make life easier for their offense, especially for a developing quarterback.
