When Caleb Williams hinted that he might play for the Chicago Bears in the autumn, he did so with caution. As for Keenan Allen, he added, “possibly” being his wide receiver in the NFL excites him. He went so far as to suggest that he might be selected in the draft that takes place the following month. The mass of reporters, including the Chicago beat reporters who traveled to sunny Southern California for USC’s pro day on Wednesday morning, laughed at that one.
Williams stated, “I wanted to come out here and put on a show.” I’ve been getting ready for this upcoming move. About 30 days remain till [I] might be chosen.”
For his much-anticipated pro day exercise, Williams—the projected No. 1 pick—attracted scouts, head coaches, general managers, and potential future teammates. All 32 NFL teams sent at least one representative to watch USC’s prospects train on the field named for the legendary track and field athlete Allyson Felix, so maybe Williams didn’t want to assume that the Bears would select him with the first overall pick on April 25.
A signal-caller who has drawn comparisons to Aaron Rodgers and winner of the 2022 Heisman Trophy, Williams’ “possibly” statement offers some optimism to the remaining thirty-one clubs. Other than the Bears, the Washington Commanders, who own the No. 2 pick and are based in the quarterback’s hometown, might really have a shot to draft Williams.
An hour before Williams emerged from the stadium entrance near the track and field starting line, the Commanders had general manager Adam Peters, offensive coordinatory Kliff Kingsbur, and coach Dan Quinn on the field, just in case there was a possibility. The massive 6’1″, 217-pound Williams, clad in cleats, trailed after the Commanders in their group cool, which was enhanced by the fact that both Quinn and Kingsbury were wearing backwards caps. Bears general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus, and Allen—who the team acquired last week in a trade with the Los Angeles Chargers—were gathered nearby. Williams joined his college teammates after making sure to embrace both groups.
About Allen attending his pro day, Williams remarked, “I’ve known him for a year.” It’s thrilling. Having him as a wide receiver is extremely exciting because he just finished one of his best seasons. Given that he just finished his best year, it would be beneficial to learn everything you can from someone like that.”
Bears Brass might be called the crew dressed in white if the Commanders are the hip gang. When Williams started throwing, Poles in his white hoodie and Eberflus in his white long sleeve stood behind him. Though it wasn’t a particularly hard workout and the Bears probably knew what they were going to receive in Williams, Poles and Eberflus observed every throw with great attention.
Williams remarked, “It was great,” regarding his day earlier hang-out with Bears brass. “I think that learning is not really necessary; I just need to start a connection. They want to know if I’m the best candidate to be the first choice in the quarterback position and to maybe lead the team. They’re attempting to determine whether or not this is the individual in whom they should put all of their time, attention, resources, and financial support. Developing relationships was fantastic.”
Just as Williams started to toss in front of the league’s shot callers, the clouds parted and the light shone down on the field. Alongside former head coach Norv Turner, general manager of the Giants Joe Schoen, general manager of the Chargers Joe Hortiz, quarterbacks coach Josh McCown of the Minnesota Vikings, a group of offensive assistant coaches from the Bears, and scouts and coaches from the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Las Vegas Raiders, and Atlanta Falcons were positioned on one sideline. From the far right end of the sideline, former USC quarterbacks Matt Leinart and Mark Sanchez observed the action.
To observe the profound bond between Williams and his receivers, Schoen positioned himself at the extreme left of the sideline. It is unlikely that the New York Giants, who may have doubts about Daniel Jones, will be able to select Williams unless they move up from the No. 6 pick, but it is still worthwhile to scout the Trojans’ wide receivers, especially Brenden Rice, the son of legendary 49ers player Jerry Rice.
Williams described his throwing workout by saying, “I missed a few passes deep.” “Throwed it a touch too high for them. I didn’t allow them to make enough mistakes with the ball’s trajectory.” Williams, who is most likely—not possibly—going to be the first choice in the draft next month, was being hard on himself for a workout he didn’t need to undertake. However, it’s encouraging that he was prepared to throw to highlight his USC teammates.
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