Last up in our 2024 rearview mirror series is QB1, Caleb Williams.
LAKE FOREST, ILLINOIS – JUNE 04: Caleb Williams #18 of the Chicago Bears talks with head coach Ben Johnson during Chicago Bears OTA Offseason Workout at Halas Hall on June 04, 2025 in Lake Forest, Illinois.
Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images
April 25th, 2024
A date that will either be remembered as one of, if not THE most important in the storied history of the NFL’s most iconic teams – or forgotten like nearly every other date attached to a Chicago Bears Quarterback.
April 27th, 1982 – Jim McMahon was drafted 5th overall
April 28th, 1987 – Jim Harbaugh was drafted 26th overall
April 17th, 1999 – Cade McNown was drafted 12th overall
April 26th, 2003 – Rex Grossman was drafted 22nd overall
April 2nd, 2009 – Jay Cutler was acquired through trade with Denver
April 27th, 2017 – Mitch Trubisky was drafted 2nd overall
April 29th, 2021 – Justin Fields was drafted 11th overall
That is 7 first-round QBs with only 1 Super Bowl win to show for it in the last 40+ years.
Will Caleb Williams be different? And was he even the right selection at 1 overall?
Considering the season Washington Commanders Quarterback Jayden Daniels had, it is a fair question. Daniels led his franchise to a deep playoff run and earned himself Offensive Rookie of the Year honors along with a Pro Bowl nod. Would you prefer Daniels under center in Chicago?
While many have differing opinions on these two young studs, the league is headed in the right direction under their leadership and unique skillset.
Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images
If we’re being honest, these are all fair questions, but I remain confidently seated on the Caleb Williams bandwagon and believe he is easily the best QB prospect we have ever had and, with Ben Johnson now leading the offense, is the best potential option for us to win multiple championships. Brian Urlacher appears to feel the same.
Chicago Bears legend Brian Urlacher talks about Caleb Williams & Ben Johnson:
“I think he’s gonna be really good. If you put him in a different situation last year, he coulda been Rookie of the Year.”
“Ben Johnson is the man. I love that hire.”
: @glorydazepod pic.twitter.com/Sn3YljUYPc
— Bearsszn (@bearssznn) June 19, 2025
Despite a year where he led the league in sacks taken (and sacks avoided, see below), Caleb also set some records as a rookie in Chicago, including most passing yards, most passing TDs, most completions, and most passing yards in a single game (363). He also set the NFL rookie record for most attempts without an interception at 326.
QBs who avoided the most sacks last season:
50 — Caleb Williams
28 — Lamar Jackson
28 — Baker Mayfield
27 — Josh Allen
26 — C.J. Stroud & Sam Darnold
Any surprises here? pic.twitter.com/F3fOYLiSlT
— LamarMuse (@Lamarmusee) June 7, 2025
Much has been said about Caleb Williams’ rookie season, including this marvelous piece by our own Jeff Berckes, where he examines Caleb’s Passer Rating. To have the season Caleb had with the ineptitude within his coaching staff and an offensive line that was unable to protect him, I am extremely excited to see what he can do with a much-improved OL and one of the league’s finest offensive minds.
What about you? Was Caleb Williams the right pick in 2024? And will he end the Super Bowl drought for Da Beloved?
If we can see more plays like these, I think we Bears fans have plenty of reasons to remember the date it finally turned around: April 25th, 2024.
ALL of Caleb William’s BEST throws of the 2024-2025 season!
Excited to see what he can do with a MUCH better OL and a MUCH more cerebral Head Coach! pic.twitter.com/WBauEjwhoA
— Bears Luchador (@Bears_Luchador) June 19, 2025
Check out the other 2024 player acquisition reviews here: