2024 NFL Draft: Grading the Bears’ selection of Caleb Williams with No. 1 pick

For the first time since 1947, the Chicago Bears made the first selection of the NFL Draft, and, for the first time in franchise history, the Bears selected a quarterback with the No. 1 pick. What has felt like a certainty for months is now reality: The Bears selected USC quarterback Caleb Williams.

Williams is arguably the best quarterback prospect to enter the NFL since Andrew Luck. He’s been mentioned alongside guys like Joe Burrow, Trevor Lawrence, Luck, and Peyton Manning. Former General Manager Rick Spielman went as far as to say he’d choose Williams over all except Luck, which he called a toss-up.

Yes, Caleb Williams is that highly regarded.

Here’s your dose of Caleb Williams highlights

Enjoy the dopamine hit ?

Fight On!?? pic.twitter.com/VfpmxlZ6aX

— Trojan Football ??fan (@TrojanFBx) December 23, 2023

Make no mistake: the Chicago Bears have never drafted or rostered a quarterback like Wiliams. In fact, the Bears’ quarterback history is among the worst in the NFL. Past failures (to varying degrees) like Rex Grossman, Jay Cutler, Mitch Trubisky, and Justin Fields make this selection almost surreal, do the Bears really have Caleb Williams under center? Have the fortunes of the franchise finally changed?

Nothing is a sure thing in the NFL, especially at quarterback. But Williams is about as close to a sure thing as one can get. This is an easy grade, and it should surprise no one: It’s an A+.

In fact, this pick is such a potential franchise-changer that the Bears could end the 2024 NFL draft with just Caleb Williams as their entire draft class, and they’d still earn an A+.

What grade do you give the Chicago Bears’ selection of Caleb Williams? Create a free user account and share your thoughts in the comments.