Are NFL coaches worried about Bears' Caleb Williams after shaky rookie season?

Caleb Williams' rookie season did not go as he had planned after the Chicago Bears made the top quarterback prospect of his class the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

For an article published on Monday morning, Mike Sando of The Athletic noted that a panel comprised of six general managers, six assistant general managers, six former general managers, five other executives, eight head coaches and 19 other coaches recently ranked Williams as the league's 23rd-best player at the position and as a Tier 3 signal-caller who "needs a heavier running game and/or defensive component to win."

Multiple coaches spoke with Sando about what they saw from Williams over a stretch of games that included the in-season firings of offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and head coach Matt Eberflus.

"He's got the talent to go up, but in terms of processing ability and getting the ball out of his hands, it was the worst we played against," one defensive coordinator said about Williams. "He just holds the ball forever. I'm thinking, 'The ball should go right there! Throw it! Throw it!' And he did not throw it."

Williams acknowledged early into training camp that he needs to be better about helping his offensive line after he was sacked a league-high 68 times last season. That said, people within the Bears seem confident that new head coach and advertised offensive guru Ben Johnson can coach mistakes out of Williams that resulted in the 23-year-old taking far too many avoidable sacks as a first-year pro. 

Meanwhile, Jayden Daniels cruised to earning Offensive Rookie of the Year Award honors after the Washington Commanders made him the second overall pick of last year's draft. Daniels also guided his club to the NFC Championship Game held this past January.

"He is definitely a [Tier] 1 talent," one head coach said about Williams. "I just think it's going to take him longer than Jayden Daniels. He is not playing fast right now. There is something there. His processing to me was alarming watching the tape."

According to Pro Football Reference, Williams ended the 2024 regular season ranked 31st in the NFL among qualified passers with a 46.7 adjusted QBR and a 62.5 percent completion percentage. Across 17 starts, he recorded 20 touchdown passes and six interceptions. 

More recently, some of his alleged training-camp struggles sparked concerns among pockets of Bears fans and media members.

"You saw signs and ability, and I also think you saw signs and ability that scare you," a different coach added about Williams. "Nervousness in the pocket, inability to see and play on time. But I do not know yet if that was him or coaching. Parts of me wondered if you could get it done with this guy, but it's good enough to make you think you have a chance."

It remains to be seen if Williams will take any preseason snaps against the Buffalo Bills on Aug. 17 or against the Kansas City Chiefs on Aug. 22. If he doesn't, a national audience will first get a look at Williams in Johnson's offense when Chicago opens the season with a home "Monday Night Football" game versus the Minnesota Vikings on Sept. 8.