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):
Caleb Williams to Brendan (siq) Rice DEEP! pic.twitter.com/9h9UdtPBxl
— CHGO Bears (@CHGO_Bears) March 20, 2024
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.
