There are always ridiculously high expectations for first overall picks when entering the NFL, as they are seen as game-changers. Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams learned quickly what it's like to be on the wrong side of those expectations.
Last year, Williams finished his rookie season with 20 touchdowns to six interceptions, but was sacked 68 times and had 10 fumbles. Not everyone was pleased with his debut season, and now he is being evaluated harshly, with still a glimmer of hope to reach the level he must be at.
Pro Football Focus writer John Kosko shared the ceiling and floor for each second-year quarterback after one season on the field. Williams' ceiling was Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love, but his floor was "bust".
"Williams entered the NFL with a tremendous amount of hype, only to disappoint as a rookie. Especially when compared to the rest of the class, Williams’ season was, at best, underwhelming. He flashed big-play potential and incredible arm talent, but he struggled with accuracy and took on pressure and sacks far too often.
Granted, top prospects who don't put it all together as rookies are still capable of turning things around —Jared Goff is one notable example, and Bryce Young appears to have turned a corner ahead of 2025 — but struggling as badly as Williams did usually does not end well. Still, he has the talent and one of the best supporting casts in the NFL to turn it around in 2025."
Williams feeling the pressure to succeed in 2025
The good news is Williams has a much better, more stable support system around him entering 2025. Ben Johnson is now the head coach, and he helped his quarterback with three new starting offensive linemen in the middle and two young offensive weapons selected high in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Johnson's focus in the offseason workouts has been to coach Williams hard, breaking the bad habits and helping him improve. Williams must work on making quicker decisions in the pocket and be able to make those off-rhythm throws when necessary.
So far, it's a work in progress, but improvements seem to be underway. Williams is taking the tough coaching well and appears to be on the right track as the new season approaches.
Chicago's current roster structure is well-suited for Williams to succeed with minimal concerns. The Bears hope their young franchise quarterback will be ready for the task and step up to the plate.
Otherwise, he will end up like the other quarterback busts in NFL history, like JaMarcus Russell and Tim Couch. Not a group Williams wants to be a part of.