Caleb Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy Winner and potential top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, has made the decision not to participate in throwing or workouts at the upcoming NFL Scouting Combine. This news comes as a surprise to many, but the Chicago Bears, who hold the No. 1 overall pick, are not concerned.
The Bears have made it clear that their evaluation of Williams goes beyond what he can do on the field. They are focused on getting to know him as a person and a leader, believing that this will ultimately have a greater impact on his success in the NFL.
Williams is not the first top prospect to forgo combine drills in favor of showcasing their skills at their pro day, and the Bears are not worried about missing out on seeing him in action. General manager Ryan Poles is confident in the team’s ability to identify talent on the field, but he understands the importance of finding the right fit for the team both on and off the field.
With two months until the draft, the Bears will take the time to get to know Williams and the other top quarterback prospects on a personal level. This process will help them determine if Williams is the right choice for the team, regardless of his decision not to throw at the combine.
In the end, the Bears are looking for more than just talent โ they want to ensure that the person behind the skills and talent showcased on tape is the right fit for their organization. This approach could prove to be the key to their success in the upcoming draft and beyond.