Can and will Caleb Williams take back his throne as the top quarterback selected in the 2024 NFL Draft?
The Chicago Bears quarterback had a tumultuous rookie season while watching fellow draft class quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix soar their teams into the playoffs. Will that be motivation enough for the second-year quarterback to rise to expectations in 2025?
Despite some struggles and inconsistency, Williams still showed flashes of what made him the top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. With a new head coach in Ben Johnson, a revamped offensive line, the Bears’ young quarterback can live up to expectations in 2025. With everything to prove, including showing the Bears’ fanbase he wants to be in Chicago, Williams now must show he has learned from his rookie campaign and can find his niche in the NFL.
In selecting the 2nd-year NFL players with the most to prove in 2025, Bleacher Report’s Brent Sobleski highlighted the issues surrounding Williams in 2024, but has the Bears QB as a player who must step up his game with the talent General manager Ryan Poles has put around him through free agency, trades and the draft.
Soblski writes:
“Now, Williams must grow in his preparation, understanding of what he's seeing on the field pre- and post-snap, improving his footwork, particularly from under center, and making sure to get the ball out on time and in-rhythm. From that point, he can let his natural playmaking skill take over when needed.”
Why Caleb Williams will rise to expectations in Year 2
When given time, Caleb Williams just show glimpses of stardom and that flash that made him the consensus No. 1 overall pick in 2024. The question is will he rise in 2025? Here are top reasons he will have the Bears challenging for the division. Yes, that’s right, challenging for the division.
- New head coach Ben Johnson knows how to put a quarterback in position to succeed as he did as the offensive coordinator for the Detroit Lions. He is already fixing his footwork and his pre-snap approach. Furthermore, he’ll put him in positions to get the ball out quicker while at the same time finding ways for Williams to maximize his arm talent down the field.
- The offensive line will be better with the addition of Joe Thuney, Jonah Jackson, Drew Dalman and second-round pick Ozzy Trapilo. After all the offensive line issues in 2024, Williams should have a more stabilized front in 2025.
- The additions of tight end Colston Loveland and wide receiver Luther Burden III shows the approach Johnson is aiming for offensively around Williams. Loveland gives them another pass catching tight end to pair with Cole Kmet who will be big targets for Williams just like Sam LaPorta was while Johnson was with the Lions. With Burden, he will form an interesting trio of receivers behind DJ Moore and Rome Odunze. Johnson will find ways to utilize his speed in the short passing game as well as down the field.
In all, Williams will be in a better position to succeed in Year 2. With an upgrade in coaching and roster, this 2024 NFL Draft pick will have every opportunity to rise to expectations in the 2025 NFL season.