Bears GM Ryan Poles Considers USC Star Caleb Williams as Potential No. 1 Pick
The Chicago Bears are once again in possession of the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, and General Manager Ryan Poles is on the lookout for a prospect that will “blow him away.” While the team already has quarterback Justin Fields, Poles is open to the idea of selecting a new quarterback if the right player comes along. And it seems that USC star Caleb Williams might just be that player.
Despite never meeting Williams in person, Poles has extensively analyzed his play and has been impressed with what he’s seen. According to Poles, Williams has “a really good feel for the game” and plays the position like an “artist.” Poles even compares Williams to two-time MVP Patrick Mahomes, noting that they share similar qualities. Williams has a big arm and can throw from different angles, and his pocket presence is exceptional.
While there are areas that need improvement, Poles believes that Williams is not afraid to make big plays and understands his entire team. With his talent and potential, it’s no wonder that Poles is looking forward to meeting Williams in person.
The Bears are in need of a reset at the quarterback position, and Williams seems to be the perfect candidate. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and has thrown an impressive 72 touchdown passes with only 10 interceptions in the last two seasons. While there are other intriguing options available, such as LSU’s Jayden Daniels and North Carolina’s Drake Maye, it’s hard to imagine any team passing up on Williams at No. 1.
Poles sees similarities between Williams and Mahomes when it comes to their ability to throw from different arm angles and make something out of nothing. Not many quarterbacks possess this skill, and Poles believes it sets Williams apart from the rest. He even credits his colleague, Jeff King, for creating the Bears’ internal categories of “artists” and “surgeons,” with Williams falling into the former category.
But talent alone is not enough for the Bears. Poles estimates that they will talk to 30 to 40 people about Williams before the draft, and their meeting with him at the NFL Scouting Combine is just the beginning. They will conduct more extensive interviews at USC’s pro day next month and likely invite him to Halas Hall for a visit.
Bears coach Matt Eberflus emphasizes the importance of a quarterback’s “wiring,” which includes leadership, resilience, and the ability to accept criticism. He also looks at composure and performance in high-pressure situations. These are all factors that will be taken into consideration when evaluating Williams.
One unique aspect of evaluating Williams is that he does not have an agent. While an agent can help navigate the pre-draft process, rookie contracts are mostly predetermined based on draft position. Poles understands why Williams might choose not to have an agent, especially if he is considered the No. 1 pick.
Despite rumors that Williams is apprehensive about joining the Bears due to their quarterback history, Poles assures that there are no concerns on their end. The team has made significant progress in building a strong infrastructure for any quarterback that comes in, including Fields if he stays with the team.
As Poles discusses the potential of drafting Williams and trading Fields, it is clear that the Bears are becoming increasingly comfortable with that scenario. Poles didn’t openly discuss trading Fields last year and didn’t speak as highly about other quarterback prospects as he does about Williams. It seems that Williams has caught the attention of the Bears’ front office, and he could potentially be their future franchise quarterback.
