Drafting a new quarterback is always an impactful move for a franchise. Still, when you use a first overall pick that didn't even belong to your team to select a quarterback that some believe is an even better prospect than Peyton Manning, that's a move that can impact the entire league.
That's what ESPN thinks of the Chicago Bears drafting Caleb Williams back in April. They list Williams to the Bears as the second most impactful offseason acquisition, right behind Kirk Cousins' signing with the Falcons.
"The top pick in April's draft, Williams replaces Justin Fields as Chicago's franchise quarterback," wrote senior ESPN writer Mike Clay. "It generally takes rookie quarterbacks time to make a positive impact, but Williams has the unique benefit of a terrific supporting cast led by DJ Moore and additional newcomers Keenan Allen and Rome Odunze."
The Bears made two more moves this offseason that landed in this list of 50 acquisitions: trading for Keenan Allen and drafting Rome Odunze. Clay had the Allen trade at 31, saying that Allen "will operate as a short-to-intermediate target for rookie QB Caleb Williams", and the selection of Odunze at 44.
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Clay did not have as much praise for Odunze as some of these other moves, but it's not for a lack of belief in his potential. The low ranking here is simply because Chicago has two elite wide receivers ahead of Odunze, which will likely limit his impact as a rookie.
With all the shrewd moves the Bears have made this past year, including the trade for Montez Sweat, it's no surprise to see them getting a lot of hype from the national media. But Caleb Williams really seals the deal for Chicago as a popular 'dark horse' pick for the playoffs. And even that's not enough hype if you ask Nick Wright.
With the preseason rapidly approaching, the time is near for Williams and the Bears to walk the walk. Williams' rankings as a prospect and all of Chicago's impactful acquisitions won't mean a thing if they don't go out and execute on the field.