NFL Veterans Describe Their Expectations for Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears in Year Two
NFL Veterans Describe Their Expectations for Caleb Williams of the Chicago Bears in Year Two
The Chicago Bears are no strangers to high expectations and hopeful rebuilds, especially when it comes to their quarterback position. Over the years, the franchise has experienced numerous attempts to find the right leader to help propel the team back to championship contention. As the 2024 NFL season draws nearer, one name continues to capture the attention of Bears fans, analysts, and NFL veterans alike: Caleb Williams.
Selected as the number one overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams enters his second year with the Bears amid a wave of anticipation. With a skillset that has drawn comparisons to some of the league’s best quarterbacks, Williams is being counted on to help restore the franchise’s fortunes. While much of the focus has been on his potential and the high expectations placed upon him, veterans from across the league have weighed in on what they believe Williams’ second season should look like, how he can succeed in Chicago, and what the Bears can reasonably expect from their young star.
As one of the most highly touted prospects in recent memory, Williams’ path to the NFL has been anything but conventional. But after a stellar career at USC, where he claimed multiple awards, including the prestigious Heisman Trophy, he enters the professional ranks with more than just talent—he brings a reputation for leadership, poise, and an unshakable confidence. But entering the NFL is an entirely different ballgame. For Williams, his second season will be crucial in shaping not only his future with the Bears but also the direction of the team as a whole.
The Stage Is Set: The Bears’ Rebuild and Expectations for Year Two
For the Bears, 2024 marks a pivotal year. After selecting Williams as the franchise’s quarterback of the future, the team has undergone several roster changes, including revamping its offensive line and bolstering the receiving corps. The acquisition of high-impact players, the improvement in key areas, and the evolution of their defense have all pointed toward one thing: the success of Caleb Williams.
Veterans across the NFL recognize how crucial this year is for both Williams and the Bears’ rebuild. The goal is not just for Williams to be an average quarterback, but to begin showing flashes of the talent that made him the number one pick. According to NFL veterans, there are several key areas in which Williams must improve and ways he can take significant strides during his sophomore season.
1. Learning the NFL Speed
One of the first things NFL veterans are quick to point out is the adjustment to the speed of the game. “There’s no question that the NFL is a massive leap from college,” says Jared Allen, a former All-Pro defensive end with the Minnesota Vikings. “The speed of the game, the talent you’re going against every week—it’s all just a different animal. Caleb’s got all the tools to be successful, but the real question will be how quickly he can adjust to that speed. It’ll be about making faster decisions and processing things quicker.”
Williams’ ability to transition from the college ranks to the NFL has been the subject of much discussion. At USC, Williams had the luxury of time in the pocket and was able to make plays with his legs and arm, often getting away with holding onto the ball a little longer than he will be able to in the NFL. NFL defenders are faster, stronger, and more intelligent, so Williams will need to develop a quick release and learn how to manage his pocket presence in order to avoid taking unnecessary hits.
2. Improving Decision-Making and Poise
As with any young quarterback, decision-making is critical. Charles Woodson, the legendary defensive back, explains, “The mental side of the game is what separates the great quarterbacks from the good ones. Caleb has the arm, the mobility, the talent—but he’ll need to make quicker decisions. In the NFL, you don’t always have that extra second to survey the field. I want to see him work through his progressions faster and be comfortable with pulling the trigger.”
Veterans have long stressed the importance of mental processing for quarterbacks in their second year. In his first season, Williams will likely face moments of frustration as defenses look to throw different looks at him, challenging his decision-making under pressure. The Bears’ offensive line is still developing, and while improvements have been made, Williams may need to be quick on his feet and in his mind to handle the pressure and make sound decisions.
A key element to keep an eye on is his read-and-react ability. If Williams can process the defense quickly, make decisions in a timely fashion, and avoid forcing throws into tight coverage, he can keep the offense moving and minimize turnovers. NFL veterans believe that Year 2 is critical for Williams in developing this aspect of his game.
3. Building Chemistry with the Receiving Corps
Another point that NFL veterans emphasize is the need for Williams to build a strong connection with his receivers. This is particularly important for young quarterbacks, as having an established rapport with their pass catchers allows them to execute plays more efficiently. With the addition of DJ Moore and a developing group of young wideouts, including Darnell Mooney and Chase Claypool, Williams has an opportunity to create a dynamic passing attack.
Roddy White, a former wide receiver with the Atlanta Falcons, believes this is a major focal point. “One of the biggest adjustments for a young quarterback is the timing with his receivers,” White says. “You can’t just have the big arm; you’ve got to know where your guys are going to be and when they’re going to be there. Caleb has the chance to develop that chemistry quickly. If he can get in sync with Moore and the rest of the guys, it could open up a lot of possibilities for the Bears.”
For Williams, it will be essential to build trust with his wideouts early in the season. Developing rapport with a go-to receiver like Moore could be the key to unlocking a more consistent offense and allowing Williams to thrive.
4. Handling Pressure and Expectations
Perhaps one of the most talked-about aspects of Williams’ second season is how he will handle the mounting pressure and expectations that come with being the franchise quarterback of a team like the Bears. Chicago is a passionate sports city, and fans have been waiting for a long time for the team to find a quarterback to lead them to glory.
Veterans know that managing expectations is an essential part of a young quarterback’s success. Steve Smith, a former wide receiver for the Carolina Panthers, offers his perspective: “The pressure is real, especially in a place like Chicago, where they haven’t had consistent quarterback play in decades. Caleb has all the talent in the world, but he’s got to be able to block out the noise and focus on what’s important. If he can keep his composure and not let the weight of the city affect him, he can flourish.”
The expectation for Williams to quickly turn the Bears around is immense, but veterans warn that patience will be important. Success may not come overnight, but if Williams can stay calm and focused on development, the team will be positioned for long-term success.
5. Improving Mobility and Use of Legs
While Williams is known for his arm strength and ability to make precise throws, he’s also a dynamic athlete with the ability to create plays with his legs. His mobility allows him to extend plays and escape pressure when necessary. NFL veterans like DeMarcus Ware, a former edge rusher, believe Williams’ ability to move in the pocket and use his legs will be crucial to his success.
“Caleb is a special talent, and he can make things happen on the move,” Ware says. “It’s not just about escaping pressure—it’s about buying time for his receivers to get open and making big plays with his legs when the pocket breaks down. But he’s also going to have to be smart with it. Don’t take unnecessary hits. Don’t hold the ball too long. Use your legs to make plays, but don’t put yourself at risk.”
While Williams’ mobility is certainly an asset, he will need to find the right balance between using his legs to extend plays and keeping his focus downfield. NFL defenders are notorious for being opportunistic, and Williams will need to stay alert when moving out of the pocket.
