The Chicago Bears are actively scouting another top quarterback prospect amidst ongoing speculation surrounding Caleb Williams.
Most projections indicate that the Chicago Bears are poised to select USC's Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft. However, the team is diligently exploring other top quarterback prospects in the class.
According to Senior Bowl executive director Jim Nagy, the Bears sent a significant delegation to observe quarterback J.J. McCarthy at Michigan's pro day on March 22. This contingent included key figures such as general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus, offensive coordinator Shane Waldron, quarterbacks coach Kerry Joseph, and wide receivers coach Chris Beatty, all of whom had previously attended Williams' pro day on March 20.
While Williams remains the frontrunner for the No. 1 pick, the Bears are ensuring a comprehensive assessment of available talent by considering McCarthy and other prospects.
McCarthy's profile has risen steadily in recent months following his leadership role in Michigan's national championship victory and subsequent declaration for the NFL draft. Known for his pocket presence and experience in a pro-style offense under former head coach Jim Harbaugh, McCarthy showcased impressive arm strength and throwing velocity during his pro day workout.
The Bears also had the opportunity to evaluate several other key Michigan offensive players eligible for the 2024 draft, including running back Blake Corum, wide receivers Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson, and interior offensive linemen Zak Zinter and Drake Nugent.
Despite McCarthy's appeal to quarterback-needy teams, indications suggest that the Bears are heavily leaning towards selecting Williams with the No. 1 overall pick. According to sources cited by Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron, the Bears' evaluation of Williams is nearly complete, with a high probability of selecting him unless significant concerns arise.
The Bears' interest in other quarterbacks reflects their commitment to thorough research, considering past draft missteps. While Williams remains the preferred choice, McCarthy's presence in the draft landscape could potentially influence the Bears' draft strategy, especially if he falls to later rounds.
In such a scenario, McCarthy's availability could create trade opportunities for the Bears to acquire additional draft assets, particularly if teams prioritize selecting quarterbacks in the first round. This strategic flexibility could enable the Bears to address multiple roster needs while still securing a promising quarterback for the future.
| POLL | ||
24 MARS | 199 ANSWERS The Chicago Bears are actively scouting another top quarterback prospect amidst ongoing speculation surrounding Caleb Williams. Will the Bears draft Caleb Williams? | ||
| Yes | 131 | 65.8 % |
| No | 68 | 34.2 % |
| List of polls | ||
