The Washington Commanders have their franchise quarterback in Jayden Daniels. They received a slice of good fortune at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he completely galvanized an entire organization. That wasn't quite the case with the only player taken ahead of him.
Caleb Williams went to the Chicago Bears at No. 1 overall. He was a hometown hero in Washington, but the NFC North club was never going to give him the chance of fulfilling his boyhood dream. Even if he was available, the Commanders reportedly had Daniels graded higher. Based on his first season, it's not hard to see why.
Fresh revelations around Williams' relationship with the Bears took center stage with startling new revelations. He wasn't taught how to watch game film. He wanted to join the Vikings, and even contemplated going to the UFL rather than head to Chicago. Shane Waldron and Matt Eberflus came under heavy fire, but neither is around entering 2025.
This report immediately brought back memories of ex-Washington quarterback Robert Griffin III's statement before the draft. The player-turned-analyst was vilified for claiming Williams should pull an Eli Manning and tell the Bears he wouldn't be going there. But if these fresh leaks are accurate, the player and his representatives seriously considered the possibility.
Caleb Williams should pull an Eli Manning and tell the Chicago Bears I AIN’T COMING. pic.twitter.com/g9Mx1cggsA
— Robert Griffin III (@RGIII) March 18, 2024
The fact that Williams flashed so much promise despite the unstable environment around him leaves reasons for optimism. Things look a lot different in Chicago now, with the signal-caller boasting an improved supporting cast and an innovative head coach leading the charge in Ben Johnson.
Daniels didn't have these problems. The Commanders placed an exceptional structure around him right out of the gate. Kliff Kingsbury, Tavita Pritchard, and David Slough nurtured his talent from a coaching standpoint. Marcus Mariota provided the veteran mentor presence in the quarterback room. Terry McLaurin was the alpha wide receiver who pushed the dynamic dual-threat presence to new heights.
The league is littered with examples of talented quarterbacks failing to meet expectations. Some players don't want it enough. Others become a product of their environment. That became the case where Williams was concerned, but the Bears are confident they have made life a lot easier.
Washington gets to see that first-hand when the two clubs square off on Monday Night Football in Week 6. As for Griffin? This report vindicated his judgment about Chicago's situation and the need for Williams to force their hand.
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