Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams entered the 2024 NFL Draft as the consensus No. 1 pick and the top-ranked player at his position.
A year later? Not so much.
According to Mike Sando's annual QB Tiers feature for The Athletic, a poll of 50 NFL coaches and league executives ranked Williams fourth among 2024 first-round QBs, below Jayden Daniels, Bo Nix, and Drake May. Williams is ranked 23rd overall -- one spot ahead of Panthers quarterback Bryce Young, who was benched during the 2024 season.
The anonymous quotes from NFL executives and coaches speak to Williams' struggles in getting the ball out to his playmakers. In 2024, he took 68 sacks, third-most in NFL history.
"You saw signs and ability, and I also think you saw signs and ability that scare you," (one) coach said. "Nervousness in the pocket, inability to see and play on time. But I do not know yet if that was him or coaching. Parts of me wondered if you could get it done with this guy, but it's good enough to make you think you have a chance."
Williams can certainly attribute some of his first-year struggles to a below-average offensive line and overmatched coaching. Former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson should bring some creativity and innovation to the Bears' offense in Williams' second season behind center.
Still, one defensive coordinator is skeptical as to whether that will lead to a breakout season for Williams.
"He's got the talent to go up, but in terms of processing ability and getting the ball out of his hands, it was the worst we played against," a defensive coordinator said. "He just holds the ball forever. I'm thinking, 'The ball should go right there! Throw it! Throw it!' And he did not throw it."
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