Caleb Williams, the 2024 first-overall draft pick, was the focus of attention as the Chicago Bears concluded day three of their mandatory minicamp on Thursday.
Williams is a rookie to the NFL. In the last three days, the former Heisman Trophy winner participated in 7-on-7 and 11-on-11 drills against NFL defences, including linebacker Tremaine Edmunds and cornerback Jaylon Johnson. This was his first experience playing against an NFL defence.
Growing pains were the recurring theme in many of Williams’ minicamp reports, as was to be expected. On the second day of minicamp, the rookie signal-caller reportedly had trouble finding an offensive rhythm and had several passes intercepted against a strong Bears secondary.
That day, Edmunds also intercepted a pass intended for journeyman wide receiver Freddie Swain from Williams during 7-on-7 drills.
Williams made significant progress in 7-on-7 exercises on the third day of minicamp, but he struggled to find the end zone in 11-on-11 drills against a defence that is predicted to be among the best in the league by 2024. After minicamp ended, Bears head coach Matt Eberflus spoke with the media and had nothing but good things to say about his newly elevated quarterback.
Yes, indeed. Once more, there is an alternative course of action wherein I declare, “Hey, the ones will oppose the twos, and the twos will oppose the ones.” When asked how Williams is adjusting to an NFL defense’s speed, Eberflus gave his response. “Yet, that bothers me.
It doesn’t appeal to me. Caleb has talent, in my opinion. a gifted individual. His game will get to the necessary point. I want him to witness that every day—the windows closing, the variety of defensive plays we make—so that when he gets to play someone else, it will appear as though he has “been there, done that.” We’re going to keep it that way.”
Eberflus also discussed what he hopes Williams will demonstrate when training camp starts in July. Although Williams gained vital experience from the drills, Eberflus stated that he is interested in seeing how the rookie performs in more realistic game-day situations.
“In part, I believe so. When asked if he could predict Williams’s level of processing at this point, Eberflus responded, “I really believe you can.” “However, when we return to training camp, everything will appear very differently. We have the pads on now. The rushers are now in full swing.
Once more, in the event of a victory, they will take the quarterback out of the game, but with increased experience, he will be able to sense it a little more.”
Williams is accustomed to the facilities that the Windy City provides for both locals and tourists off the pitch. In recent weeks, the former USC standout has been sighted at Chicago White Sox and Cubs games.
On Thursday, Eberflus told the media about the advantages of Williams and his colleagues spending time together away from the team building.
“Yes, without a doubt. Honestly, it’s about the other teams in town. It’s more important to be in unity. It’s about spending time with someone outside of the office and getting to know them beyond the perspective of, “Hey, you play this position on our team.” That is still going on. It must be practiced. If relationships are what you want to be good at, you have to put in the work to get there.”
The Bears’ next challenge for Eberflus and Williams will be to improve in padded sessions and preseason games, which take place over the course of more than a month during training camp, now that mandated minicamps are behind them.
If Eberflus’ remarks on Thursday are any guide, he is fully confident that Williams can live up to the enormous expectations placed on him as Chicago’s newest signal caller.
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