The Chicago Bears appear to have finally struck quarterback gold after many failed attempts, as No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is ready to unleash his unique brand of football on an unsuspecting NFC North. The USC product came to Chicago with as much hype as the city could allow.
Williams has his sights set on the Offensive Rookie of the Year Award. However, in a rookie class that saw an almost unprecedented six quarterbacks get selected within the first 12 picks, Williams will need to beat out a very competitive and hungry group,
Even with so many other quarterbacks out there for Williams to compete with, No. 18 should be in pole position.
3 reasons Bears QB Caleb Williams should win Rookie of the Year
3. New offensive coaching staff
Williams is not being thrown into a John Shoop mess or an archaic passing game of yesteryear, as the Bears hired former Seahawks offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. Coming from the Rams, Waldron resurrected Geno Smith’s career.
Not only was Waldron good for Smith, but he also helped the Seahawks offense rank in the Top 10 multiple times during his tenure. Getting Waldron to implement a Shanahan-McVay scheme with the mercurial Williams could be a perfect match for Chicago.
2. Excellent skill players
It’s been quite some time since the Bears have had perimeter talents like this. Keenan Allen is still a reliable pass-catcher over the middle, DJ Moore is a quarterback-proof star who can shoulder the load as a primary pass-catcher, and No. 9 pick Rome Odunze has all the talent in the world.
Outside of the wide receivers, Williams will have two reliable tight end targets in Cole Kmet and Gerald Everett. Even D’Andre Swift and a very deep backfield could supplement Williams’ skills. For a rookie quarterback, Williams is jumping into an excellent situation.
1. Williams' own natural arm talent
Williams wouldn't have been viewed as the no-doubt No. 1 pick without one of the best arms in recent history. Between his ability to launch 60-yard bombs down the field and whip the ball into tight spaces no matter what the angle of his arm, Williams' penchant for highlight-reel plays is second to none among rookie quarterbacks.
The Bears can give a young quarterback all the infrastructure in the world, but if they aren't good enough to take advantage (see Trubsiky, Mitch), none of it will matter. For the first time in decades, the Bears have a blend of above-average quarterback talent and the role players around him to provide support.