Kamil Krzaczynski-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears and their fans are riding high after a historic NFL Draft. After the Bears selected quarterback Caleb Williams with the top pick, landed wide receiver Rome Odunze with the ninth pick, and brought in Kiran Amegadjie, Tory Taylor, and Austin Booker, it's difficult not to be excited.

With excitement swirling, the media is all over the Bears and their future outlook. On Wednesday, Bears general manager Ryan Poles appeared on the Pat McAfee Show on ESPN and YouTube. During the interview, McAfee asked Poles when the Bears knew Caleb Williams was their guy. Poles' answer elicits confidence that the Bears knew all along.

"Yeah, it was the full process. The film was the film. That stood out. It kind of had my heart from the beginning. But as we spent more time with Caleb and did our homework it became clearer and clearer.

"Once all those boxes got checked, didn't really care about the noise and what other people had to say."

Having a good feeling about your decision is always helpful. More importantly, it's evident that Caleb Williams is the guy and always was the guy. While there's always outside noise in the NFL world, Poles and Chicago's front office never let it sway their decision-making as they remained confident in their selection to open the 2024 NFL Draft. 

The hype is real in Chicago. Williams is looked at as the next franchise quarterback, and the Bears look like a team ready to contend as early as this year. Although a Super Bowl run might not be in the cards, playoff football is a realistic expectation for the 2024 Bears.

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