Caleb Williams pro day takeaways: Bears show all the love to USC QB, future No. 1 pick in 2024 NFL Draft

Vinnie Iyer

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Caleb Williams pro day takeaways: Bears show all the love to USC QB, future No. 1 pick in 2024 NFL Draft image

Caleb Williams' final workout at USC on Wednesday could easily have been confused for his first practice as the Bears' No. 1 overall pick. If there was any doubt about Chicago officials taking the quarterback to open the first round on April 25, it should have been erased by their presence in Los Angeles.

Thanks to the NFL+ cameras covering the event, all the Bears' key decision-makers were spotted there, led by GM Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus. They were joined by assistant GM Ian Cunningham, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, quarterback coach Kerry Joseph, and passing game coordinator Thomas Brown.

Wide receiver Keenan Allen, transitioning to the Bears after being traded from the Chargers, was still in LA ready to greet his new starting QB. Poles was captured meeting with Williams' parents. According to NFL Network's Steve Wyche, Williams gave his future employer and bosses priority pre-pro day access, with the Bears hanging in LA since Monday.

Many other teams were scouting Williams and the other Trojans draft picks. Unfortunately for the QB-needy teams with representatives, including offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury of the second-overall-selecting Commanders, they got confirmation they'll have no shot at drafting Williams.

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Caleb Williams' pro day results

Williams went through the formality of the passing drills. He was comfortable as expected throwing short and deep — from the pocket and the move — reminding everyone again at USC why he's the top QB in the draft.

Allen got a good idea of what catching short-to-intermediate passes from Williams will be like this season. Bears incumbent No. 1 wide receiver DJ Moore should also love what Williams can do ripping the ball on downfield shots.

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Williams' most impressive throw came on a deep right sideline bomb to USC wide receiver draft prospect Brenden Rice (Jerry's son):

The arm, accuracy, velocity, and athleticism that allowed Williams to ascend to the top of draft boards as a Heisman-winning sophomore sensation at USC were on full display during the short session. The Bears, now with Justin Fields traded and gone, saw enough from Williams to think he can finally give them a long-term, elite franchise quarterback.

Vinnie Iyer

Vinnie Iyer Photo

Vinnie Iyer, has been with TSN since 1999, not long after graduating from Northwestern University’s Medill School of Journalism. He has produced NFL content for more than 20 years, turning his attention to full-time writing in 2007. A native of St. Louis, Mo. but now a long-time resident of Charlotte, N.C. Vinnie’s top two professional sports teams are Cardinals and Blues, but he also carries purple pride for all things Northwestern Wildcats. He covers every aspect of the NFL for TSN including player evaluations, gambling and fantasy football, where he is a key contributor. Vinnie represents TSN as host of the “Locked On Fantasy Football” podcast on the Locked On network. Over his many years at TSN, he’s also written about MLB, NBA, NASCAR, college football, tennis, horse racing, film and television. His can’t-miss program remains “Jeopardy!”, where he was once a three-day champion and he is still avid about crossword puzzles and trivia games. When not watching sports or his favorite game show, Vinnie is probably watching a DC, Marvel or Star Wars-related TV or movie.