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Assessing Caleb Williams' Standing Among No. 1 Overall Draft Picks

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Vince Carbonneau
May 8, 2024  (9:21)
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Caleb Williams in college
Photo credit: ESPN

**Title: Is Caleb Williams the Quarterback of the Future for the Chicago Bears?**

**Introduction:**With the Chicago Bears selecting Caleb Williams as the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, optimism is sky-high. Hailing from USC, Williams entered the draft as the undisputed top quarterback prospect, celebrated for his immense potential and skill at the position.

**Assessing No. 1 Picks from the Last Five NFL Drafts:**As we evaluate the recent No. 1 overall picks, it's important to gauge where Williams stands, even though he hasn't yet played in the NFL. Our assessment will focus on the potential impact Williams could have as the Bears' new quarterback compared to the performance of his predecessors.

**No. 5: Bryce Young (2023)**Selected by the Carolina Panthers, Bryce Young's rookie year was underwhelming, marked by a 59.8% completion rate, 2,877 yards, 11 touchdowns, and 10 interceptions. Young struggled behind a weak offensive line, and his performance places him at risk of being considered a draft bust as he enters his second NFL season.

**No. 4: Travon Walker (2022)**Walker, the sole non-quarterback in this list, was drafted by the Jacksonville Jaguars. Transitioning to an outside linebacker in his rookie year, Walker racked up 49 tackles and 3.5 sacks. In his second season, he improved significantly, tallying 52 tackles and 10 sacks, indicating a promising upward trajectory.

**No. 3: Caleb Williams (2024)**Caleb Williams enters the NFL with both high expectations and skepticism. In his final season at USC, he threw for 3,633 yards with 30 touchdowns. Known for his pocket presence and mobility, Williams has the tools for NFL success, but his mental toughness and character have also been scrutinized.

**No. 2: Trevor Lawrence (2021)**Lawrence had a standout second season with the Jaguars, throwing for over 4,000 yards, doubling his touchdown count, and leading the team to the playoffs. His development in his initial years sets a high bar that Williams might soon challenge.

**No. 1: Joe Burrow (2020)**Joe Burrow, the top No. 1 pick in the past five drafts, has demonstrated exceptional leadership and clutch play, guiding the Bengals to a Super Bowl appearance. Despite injuries, Burrow's performance when healthy confirms his elite status.

**Conclusion:**While it's premature to predict Caleb Williams' NFL trajectory, the early comparisons are promising. If he can capitalize on his skills and effectively handle the pressures of professional football, Williams has the potential to rank highly among recent No. 1 overall picks, perhaps nearing the impact of players like Joe Burrow in his early years.

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8 MAI   |   95 ANSWERS
Assessing Caleb Williams' Standing Among No. 1 Overall Draft Picks

Do you think Caleb Williams will outperform Bryce Young in his rookie season?

Yes8892.6 %
No77.4 %
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