Chicago Bears Caleb Williams Prioritizes Growth, Learning from Past Errors

Chicago Bears' top draft pick, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams, concluded his first NFL minicamp on Thursday, displaying the potential that made him the number one selection in this year's draft. This was highlighted by his precise touchdown pass to fellow rookie Rome Odunze during a seven-on-seven drill.

Despite these moments of brilliance, Williams faced some expected challenges. "I didn't expect to come in and feel like a 13-year vet," Williams remarked. "My focus was to work hard, demonstrate my dedication to the team, and continuously improve without repeating mistakes."

The Bears' defense, regarded as robust, has provided a strong training ground for Williams, preparing him for NFL-level competition. Head coach Matt Eberflus has intentionally pitted Williams and the first-team offense against their top defense to accelerate his development. "Caleb has tremendous talent," Eberflus noted. "We expose him daily to the speed and complexity of our defensive plays so that when he faces other teams, he's already experienced similar pressures."

Williams also appreciates the guidance from seasoned teammates amid these trials. "It's the NFL; I'm up against a top-five defense. There are exceptional players across from me, making the quarterback role challenging," he explained.

While there's ongoing discussion about his rookie contract, Williams remains undistracted, focusing instead on his on-field responsibilities during OTAs and minicamp. He assured that his contract negotiations, handled by his representatives with general manager Ryan Poles, are in progress but not his primary concern.