Bill Belichick on Caleb Williams: 'He's kinda like a Russell Wilson'
As had been the expectation when the Chicago Bears clinched the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, former USC quarterback Caleb Williams was the first player off the board Thursday night.
Williams, touted as one of the best quarterback prospects in recent memory, joins a Bears team which has seldom had top quarterback play in their history. Former NFL head coach Bill Belichick believes Williams has all the tools to become one of the NFL’s best signal callers, comparing him to Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson during an appearance on “The Pat McAfee Show Draft Spectacular.”
“Caleb’s a really talented guy,” Belichick said. “He’s kinda like Russell Wilson. Really good lower body, strong, pretty fast and has a tremendous arm. He can make all the throws. He’s a got a lot of different motions and all that, sometimes that helps him, sometimes not so much. But the kid’s really talented. I think if he can be more dependable and not turn the ball over, be more dependable with his reads and be more consistent and help the team, that he’s got a chance to be a really good player.”
The Bears would certainly be overjoyed if Williams has a Wilson-like career despite his decline in recent seasons. Wilson won a Super Bowl with the Seattle Seahawks and is a nine-time Pro Bowler. The Bears, meanwhile, haven’t hoisted a Lombardi Trophy since 1986. Williams told the Chicago media after being drafted that he believes he’s joining an organization capable of winning Super Bowls.
“A big reason is I believe the culture that’s been building,” Williams said. “I would say the culture, the coaches, and that’s where it stems from. Then I’d also say the love and support that the fans have been giving. They’re ready, they’re hungry, they’re all excited, and so are we.”
Bears busy adding offensive weapons for Caleb Williams
Williams wrapped up his collegiate career having thrown for 10,082 yards, 93 touchdowns and 14 interceptions on 66.9% passing across one season at Oklahoma and two at USC. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 after throwing for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns and rushing for 382 yards and 10 scores.
The Bears have been busy this offseason giving Williams weapons to work with. In addition to having star wideout D.J. Moore and tight end Cole Kmet in place, the Bears signed running back D’Andre Swift and acquired receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this offseason. Chicago selected former Washington receiver Rome Odunze with the No. 9 overall pick.
“I’d say the biggest thing is that they want to win,” Williams said. “That was the biggest and most important thing. That was really it. That’s what it really came down to, and that aligns with me. I want to be around people that want to win. I want to be around people that want to achieve high because it only makes me better. That only holds me accountable, and it makes me excited to be around people like that. You’re who you are, but you also are the people that are closest to you. So having people around you that want to win only elevates you and your game.”