After trading fan favorite Justin Fields earlier this month, the Chicago Bears will likely select USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. The decision seems like a no-brainer considering the organization has spent most of the offseason filling any other gaps in the depth chart. Offensively and defensively, the Bears looks strong. The only thing missing now is a franchise quarterback to take this team to the next level.
Williams has the talent and the resume to justify his projected first overall pick status. The 22-year-old has been sensational at the college level since making his breakthrough with the University of Oklahoma. A transfer to USC provided the young quarterback with a more dynamic offense and a massive platform to showcase his talents. After leading USC to an 11-3 record, Williams was named the Heisman Trophy winner in 2022
While the hype surrounding Williams is unlike anything we have seen in years, one Bears player isn’t quite ready to roll out the red carpet for Williams just yet. Asked by Kay Adams on the Up and Adams Show on how the next Bears quarterback will be received, Jaylon Johnson didn’t hold back.
“What you did in college, the Hollywood, it’s like ‘Nah, you gotta prove yourself,'” said Johnson.
Chicago CB Jaylon Johnson on how projected no. 1 pick Caleb Williams would be received in the #Bears locker room 🔊🔊@NBAxJay1 @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/q2U9kho6Id
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) March 20, 2024
Jaylon Johnson will be entering his fifth year with the Bears and is one of the longer serving players on the roster. He himself recently agreed to a four-year, $76 million contract and will be called on to play a role as a leader in the locker room.
Johnson insist Williams will need to prove himself and said the team will do their best to understand the new man in the locker room. He went on to say it is their job to push Williams to improve and develop.
“We want him to be the absolute best he can be,” added Johnson.
