Chicago Bears Defensive Lineman Shares Strong First Impression of Caleb Williams’ Composure, Work Ethic, and Superstar Traits at NFL Training Camp

The Chicago Bears’ 2025 training camp officially opened this week with a different kind of energy. That’s to be expected when the franchise introduces its most anticipated rookie quarterback in decades. Caleb Williams, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, arrived with massive expectations and an entire city watching.

But while fans and media have speculated for months about how Williams would handle the transition from college superstar to NFL starter, one of the most telling endorsements came from someone on the other side of the ball.

Veteran defensive lineman Justin Jones, who has been with the Bears since 2022, offered an unfiltered first impression of the rookie signal-caller—and it’s one that should excite fans across the Windy City.

“He’s cool under pressure. You throw something at him, and he doesn’t panic—he processes it. He’s mature. Real mature,” Jones said.

Defense vs. Franchise QB: First Practice Sparks

Training camp is often the first time rookies get a taste of the NFL’s intensity. For quarterbacks, that means seeing exotic looks, disguised coverages, and experienced defensive linemen trying to rattle them.

Williams, however, didn’t flinch.

According to Jones, the Bears’ defense was tasked with making the first team offense uncomfortable—bringing pressure, showing blitzes, and rotating coverage schemes. But Williams handled it all with poise.

“He didn’t hold the ball long. He knew where to go with it. And if the play broke down, he made something out of nothing,” said Jones. “That’s what separates guys in this league.”

Williams showed flashes of his signature playmaking—rolling out, throwing on the run, and hitting tight windows. More impressively, he did it without forcing throws or showing nerves. For a rookie QB on Day 1, that stood out.

Earning Respect Quickly

Jones emphasized that Williams didn’t walk into the building acting like a star. Instead, he’s operated like a student of the game, eager to learn from veterans and coaches alike.

“He’s not out there with a Hollywood attitude,” Jones said. “He’s asking questions, watching tape, soaking up information. You respect that.”

That humility is resonating inside Halas Hall. Williams is reportedly spending extra hours studying film, talking to receivers about timing, and asking defenders what they see when he lines up under center.

This thirst for knowledge has gone a long way in building trust—not just on offense, but within the entire team.

“Caleb knows he has to earn it,” Jones said. “And he’s doing just that.”

Natural Leadership Already Emerging

One of the questions surrounding Williams heading into the draft was whether he could lead grown men. It’s one thing to lead at USC. It’s another to command a huddle filled with veterans, some of whom have been in the league for a decade.

But according to Jones, the Bears’ new quarterback isn’t backing down from that challenge.

“He doesn’t yell or try to dominate the room,” Jones explained. “But when he talks, people listen. That tells you everything.”

Jones added that Williams has already taken steps to build personal relationships with his teammates—from linemen to practice squad players.

“He makes you feel like you’re part of something bigger,” said Jones. “That matters in this league.”

A Composed Competitor

While the early practices are non-padded and often low-contact, Williams is still being evaluated for how he processes speed and pressure. The Bears defense, led by a physical front seven, has the potential to be a top-10 unit in 2025—and they’re not taking it easy on the rookie.

In one rep, Williams was flushed from the pocket by edge rusher Montez Sweat. Rather than panicking, Williams calmly maneuvered, reset his feet, and delivered a strike to DJ Moore on the sideline.

Jones nodded in approval: “He didn’t run scared. He extended the play and made it count. That’s what you want from your quarterback.”

Mastering the Playbook

Williams is also gaining ground in one of the hardest areas for any rookie quarterback—mastering an NFL playbook.

New offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has brought a system tailored to Williams’ strengths: quick reads, play-action movement, RPOs, and layered concepts. Still, the complexity is a major leap from college.

Jones was asked how often Williams appears confused or unsure at the line of scrimmage.

“Not often,” he replied. “And when he is, he doesn’t fake it. He’ll ask questions, then come back the next play and get it right. That’s how you grow.”

Behind the Scenes: The Work No One Sees

The grind of NFL training camp isn’t just about what happens during practice. What players do in the locker room, film room, and weight room often sets the tone.

Jones said Williams has quietly become one of the most consistent workers on the team.

“He’s one of the last to leave the facility. He’s always in someone’s ear—learning,” Jones said. “You can’t teach that.”

In fact, Williams has reportedly developed a daily post-practice routine that includes a one-hour film review session, light throwing with backups, and recovery work in the training room.

That level of discipline is rare for a 22-year-old just entering the league.

Comparing Him to Other Quarterbacks

Jones, who has faced off against elite quarterbacks during his time in the league—including Lamar Jackson, Josh Allen, and Justin Herbert—was asked how Williams stacks up in terms of potential.

“I’m not saying he’s them yet,” Jones said carefully. “But the confidence? The way he reads the field? That stuff reminds me of the good ones. And he’s got the arm to match.”

Jones pointed out that Williams throws with “NFL velocity” and possesses an advanced understanding of timing routes, particularly with new weapons like Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen.

“You can tell he’s worked on his craft. He’s polished,” said Jones.

No Rookie Hazing, Just Expectations

NFL locker rooms are known for rookie hazing—pranks, carrying pads, or singing in front of the team. But Jones says there’s been little of that with Williams.

“We don’t haze quarterbacks here. We just expect you to ball out and be accountable,” he said. “And so far, Caleb is checking those boxes.”

That respect doesn’t come easy. Veterans are often skeptical of high draft picks, especially those with large endorsement deals and media attention. But Williams’ work ethic and demeanor have won over even the toughest critics.

“He’s not walking in like he owns the place,” said Jones. “He’s walking in like he wants to earn his place.”

What’s Next for Williams?

While early impressions are positive, both Williams and the Bears know the real test lies ahead. Preseason games, joint practices, and eventually regular season action will provide a true evaluation.

Jones offered some advice for the young quarterback.

“Stay consistent. Stay humble. And stay hungry. That’s how you survive in this league.”

So far, Williams appears to be following that formula.

The Chicago Bears haven’t had a franchise quarterback with true staying power in decades. But this time, it feels different. With a strong coaching staff, a revamped receiving corps, and one of the best young defenses in the league, the infrastructure is finally in place.

And now, with Caleb Williams showing early signs of greatness—not just physically but mentally and emotionally—the Bears may have found the missing piece.

“You can feel it,” Jones said. “The energy, the focus—it’s changed. He’s brought that with him. And we’re all feeding off it.”

Training camp is just beginning. The journey will be long. But if the early reviews from veterans like Justin Jones hold true, the Bears might finally have the quarterback—and the leader—they’ve waited generations for.