Chicago Bears step up interest in QB sensation Caleb Williams ahead of NFL Draft
The Chicago Bears have their eyes set on Caleb Williams for the No.1 overall pick in the NFL Draft, as per details from interviews for their offensive coordinator role.
The Bears kept head coach Matt Eberflus after a 7-10 season, but they let go of his support staff, including offensive coordinator Luke Getsy. This move hinted at the team's draft plans, suggesting that third-year quarterback Justin Fields might be replaced with a draft selection.
Former Seattle Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron has stepped into Getsy's shoes. As draft day in Detroit draws nearer, it seems more likely that Fields will be replaced by the Bears using their No. 1 overall pick on USC star and former Heisman Trophy winner Williams.
Chicago is picking first in the draft thanks to last year's deal with the Carolina Panthers, which saw the Bears give up the No. 1 spot used to select Bryce Young. After a disappointing 2-15 season for the Panthers, the Bears are now in a prime position with the first-overall pick.
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According to Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, the draft was a key topic in discussions with candidates for the new Bears OC, with interviews focusing on the possibility of working with Williams. He claims that 'one of the things that excited' the interviewees was the chance to work with the upcoming star.
Breer, a seasoned NFL expert, thinks it's a smart move for the Bears. He explained: "It's not like Justin Fields is a bust. It's more, this (Williams) is a very unique opportunity with a very uniquely talented player and that's a uniquely talented player you're going to have at a fraction of the cost it would take to keep Justin for the next three or four years."
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The Bears have dropped their biggest hint yet that they will draft Caleb Williams No. 1 overall in April (Ryan Kang/Getty Images)Caleb Williams is seen as the top quarterback pick in his draft class, but Drake Maye and Jayden Daniels are also hot names for early picks on draft night. The young star wrapped up his college football days with an impressive 93 touchdown passes and only 13 interceptions, making him one of the most exciting talents to join the league in years.
While he might not be a guaranteed immediate improvement over Fields, who has had some bright moments despite injuries in his three NFL seasons, the economics make sense. Fields' rookie contract is almost up, and keeping him on could cost a lot more than bringing in a new quarterback through the draft.
Bears icon Brian Urlacher reckons the team's choice is simple. He commented:"I think they have to take Caleb. I don’t think there’s any way around it this year.
"If you don’t take him and he turns out to be great, but having said that, Justin Fields played good this season. Last year as well. It’s tough. The defence really played good the second half of the season... but I think if Caleb’s available, you have to take him."
* An AI tool was used to add an extra layer to the editing process for this story.
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