The Chicago Bears hoped for a breakthrough season in 2024. After drafting generational quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick, many believed the team would return to playoff contention. Instead, a subpar rookie campaign and coaching struggles led to just five wins — including a 10-game losing streak.
A year after being selected first overall and widely viewed as the best quarterback in the 2024 NFL Draft, Williams gave an honest self-assessment and laid out the areas where he needs to improve.
Caleb Williams Shares Honest Scouting Report of Himself
Williams had an up-and-down debut. He threw for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns but finished 28th in the NFL with a 46.7 quarterback rating. He also ranked 33rd in PFSN’s QB+ metric, behind the likes of Daniel Jones, Jameis Winston, and Mac Jones.
One major bright spot: ball security. Williams set an NFL record for most consecutive pass attempts without an interception by a rookie (354) and ended the season with just six picks.
However, he also held onto the ball too long, resulting in 68 sacks. While some of that blame falls on a struggling offensive line, Williams acknowledged that he needs to improve at using checkdowns and speeding up his reads.
In an interview with Esquire, he was candid about where he stands and what he needs to work on.
“Talented. Has work to do. Going to get a lot better. Learning. Gets better throughout the game,” Williams said.
On areas for improvement, he added: “Processing, and then taking more checkdowns, and then footwork. I think those three are big for my game that I’m going to be working on.”
Chicago’s new head coach, Ben Johnson, is a firm believer in Williams’ talent. During an appearance on ESPN, Johnson praised the young quarterback’s skill set and potential.
“He can throw the ball so, so well. There’s some throws he’s made on tape from last year — outside the numbers on a rope, 20 yards down the field — that’s what certainly attracts your eye,” Johnson said.
“But then you see the creation of plays when things break down and he’s having to evade the rush and break the pocket … that’s a little bit different dynamic than what I’ve been around, and I’m really, really excited to see where that can go for us.
“The pass rush is coming down, and to have an athlete like Caleb extend a play and potentially find an explosive [play] down the field, that’s what gets me going a little bit.”
Johnson also said he expects to see a very “coachable” version of Williams next season. And based on the quarterback’s self-assessment, there’s clearly a willingness to learn and grow under the former Lions offensive coordinator.
Johnson’s reputation for creative schemes and trick plays helped turn Detroit’s offense into one of the league’s most dynamic. Now paired with Williams and a strong group of weapons, the Bears are banking on him bringing that magic to Chicago.
