Top NFL insider gives update on Chicago Bears' plan at no. 1 overall
By Ryan Heckman
Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, we've already heard just about every whisper and rumor we could hear when it comes to what the Chicago Bears will do with the no. 1 overall pick.
Some folks still seem to believe the Bears are better off trading the pick for a haul and moving forward with Justin Fields under center. Others, meanwhile, think that the future is now, and the Bears need to select USC quarterback Caleb Williams at no. 1.
And then, of course, there are those who err on the side of being contrarian and may be clamoring for someone like Drake Maye or Jayden Daniels at no. 1.
Friday, though, we heard from NFL Network's Ian Rapoport as he went live on The Pat McAfee Show and gave his thoughts on what he's hearing, right now, about Caleb Williams and the Bears at number one.
It sure sounds like Caleb Williams is a lock to go no. 1 to the Chicago Bears
"I think most people I've talked to believe he is the number one, and most people believe the Bears are going to take him number one," Schefter told McAfee.
"All the teams that had meetings with Caleb Williams said they were very positive and he really cares about football..
— Pat McAfee (@PatMcAfeeShow) March 8, 2024
Most people that I've talked to believe that he's going at number one to the Chicago Bears" ~ @RapSheet #PMSLive pic.twitter.com/0WleSx0mYX
In the same segment, Rapoport touched on the fact that Williams has been criticized for various reasons over the last few months. Whether it's his dad and all of the speculation that brings, or some questioning his emotional intelligence, Rapoport also seemed to put all of that to rest.
"His dad being quoted in GQ and the rumors of what his family asked for, that did him no favors," Schefter admitted.
He went on, though, to speak highly of Williams and the fact that he is a more emotional being not necessarily being a negative quality.
"I know that teams had really positive meetings with him. Teammates really like him," Schefter said.
This seems right on par with what we saw from folks at the Combine, debunking a lot of what has been said about him over the past couple of months. Executives really like him. Teams liked him. All of his teammates speak highly of him. That's been the consensus.
As for the emotional side of things? Schefter seems to think that's a bit overblown, too.
"He takes football very seriously. He takes losses very hard. He cares about it a lot. I don't think that's a negative."
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