Going first in the 2024 NFL Draft has placed a huge target on Caleb Williams once the new season starts. The thing is, he stands to lose the most among all the rookies if he doesn’t live up to expectations down the line.
After starting as a backup for the Oklahoma Sooners in 2021, he took over the starting role midway through the season and led the team to a comeback victory over Texas. He followed that up with a standout performance in his first start, throwing for 295 yards and 4 touchdowns while also rushing for 66 yards and a score.
Seeking a fresh start, Williams entered the transfer portal and opted to join the USC Trojans, reuniting with his former head coach Lincoln Riley. In his first season with the college team in 2022, he was named the starting quarterback and immediately made an impact, throwing for 249 yards and 2 touchdowns in the season opener against Rice. His stellar play continued throughout the season, as he was named the AP College Football Player of the Year and won the prestigious Heisman Trophy.
Despite the Trojans’ 7-5 record in 2023, Williams continued to shine, throwing for over 3,300 yards and 31 touchdowns, while also adding 11 rushing touchdowns. Following his successful college career, Williams declared for the 2024 NFL Draft, where he was selected first overall by the Chicago Bears.
Williams’ combination of arm strength, accuracy, and mobility make him a highly sought-after prospect in the NFL. His ability to make plays both through the air and on the ground, coupled with his impressive leadership qualities, have positioned him as a potential franchise quarterback at the next level.
The Reason Why Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams Is One of The Rookies With Most To Lose in 2024
There will be a lot of names NFL fans will look forward to when the 2024-25 season begins. Among the rookies, though, Williams has the most pressure on his shoulders, as mentioned by Ryan Fowler for Bleacher Report.
“The top selection in April’s draft, Caleb Williams enters 2024 with expectations centering around his ability to turn the Bears into a perennial contender.
While we didn’t see Williams suit up in Chicago’s opening preseason matchup with the Houston Texans, his ability to lead the offense with precision throughout the rest of his preseason slate will remain key in his progression.
The Bears aren’t expected to win a division title this fall, or enjoy a Texans-like route to success like we saw in 2023, but all eyes will remain on the former Heisman trophy winner in Williams as Chicago’s glimmer of hope both in the present, and long term future,” Fowler wrote.
The Bears’ schedule presents a challenging season, with a strength of schedule ranking of 30th. While the team has an impressive roster and a talented young quarterback, the NFC North could be the toughest division in the NFL.
The Bears are predicted to finish with a 9-8 record, as they navigate the learning curve of a new coaching staff and system. If Williams can surpass the projection, expect the pressure on his shoulders to be gone. Otherwise, he’ll have a hard time recovering from the potential scenario.
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