Bears QB Caleb Williams inches towards elite status in NFL ranking

The Chicago Bears had high hopes for Caleb Williams when they drafted him No. 1 overall in 2024, but he had an average rookie season. But that didn't last long.

In his second year, under the guidance of head coach Ben Johnson, Williams led the Bears to an 11-6 record in the regular season and the top of the NFC North. Stats-wise, he clocked 3,942 yards and 27 touchdowns.

The Bears fell short of going all the way, though, and lost to the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Divisional Round of the playoffs.

Thanks to Williams' stellar showing last season, he's moving up in the quarterback rankings heading into the new season.

Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is moving on up

In a ranking from Bryan DeArdo of CBS Sports, Williams got some love. Williams is called a "borderline star" in the list.

"Williams' flair for the dramatics included a game-winning touchdown against the rival Packers in the NFC wild-card round," DeArdo notes in the piece. "He'll join NFL (and Chicago/Indiana?) royalty if he can lead the Bears to the franchise's second Super Bowl title. More consistent play will be needed if that is going to come to fruition."

Williams is in good company on the "borderline star" list, too. Super Bowl winners Jalen Hurts and Sam Darnold are also on that list, so this is really an elite tally.

Williams made such progress in just one season that he could absolutely become an elite quarterback by the end of the 2026 season. If he can stay healthy and find the perfect on-field targets, then the Bears could repeat as NFC North champs and go further.