Chicago Bears: Intriguing QB Added To Depth Chart

The Chicago Bears would seem to have their quarterback depth chart set for 2016, but that would be too easy an assumption. Especially after a recent signing.

Most people won’t know the name Dalyn Williams when they hear it. Bears fans just found out when their team released Matt Blanchard, their 4th quarterback on the depth chart in order to make room for him. To recap he was a star for Dartmouth college in the Ivy League football circuit, setting numerous school records and leading his team to a 9-1 record in 2015, tying for the league title. Williams threw for 2,592 yards and 17 touchdowns in just 10 games. He also rushed 225 yards and five more scores. He threw just five interceptions.

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At 6’0″ he won’t impress anybody with his size, but turn on the tape and it starts to become clear how good of a player he actually is. Williams could easily be chalked up as another of those run-first quarterback overcrowding college football. Yet he seems to operate with more of a professional edge. Most of the time when he runs it’s to buy time to throw and it’s clear he makes a note to stand in the pocket to the last possible second to deliver the football.

He also has a better-than-average arm, showing plenty of willingness to attack down the field. Four times this past season he threw for over 300 yards. He put up over 400 against Yale.

Williams also shows a rare but important aspect of quarterbacks: the ability to react and improvise by reflex. Many times a QB will just try to get out of the way whenever he’s pressured. Often it will result in a sack, a throwaway or a turnover. Williams has the capability to pull off a Houdini-type escape and then get the ball away to an open man.

Does this mean Williams is a potential heir apparent to Jay Cutler? Unlikely. However, there are two keys to consider. He does have enough ability for consideration as a future backup, and also he adds characteristics at the position the Chicago Bears simply don’t have. David Fales, Brian Hoyer and Cutler can’t simulate certain things on the football field that he can.

Williams’ style of play and the offense he’s used bear a striking resemblance to quarterbacks like Russell Wilson and Cam Newton. These are guys the Bears are almost certain to see in the playoffs should they make it this coming January. Having Williams on the roster would give them a vital component to help them prepare and game plan defensively for playing against those types of QBs.

A heady move by GM Ryan Pace.

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