DETROIT (CBS) -- The Chicago Bears shocked the NFL world by selecting USC's Caleb Williams as the first overall pick in the NFL Draft on Thursday night. This move has ignited hope among Bears fans for a brighter future at the quarterback position.
Many experts had predicted this decision, especially after the Bears traded away their previous quarterback, Justin Fields, to the Pittsburgh Steelers. This trade marked the end of Fields' frustrating three-year tenure in Chicago and paved the way for Williams to join the team.
Williams has been likened to Kansas City Chiefs' superstar Patrick Mahomes for his exceptional throwing abilities from various angles on the field.
"He's a good decisionmaker overall," commented Charles Davis, a CBS NFL Analyst. "That Notre Dame game might have been an anomaly this season, but his accuracy and field awareness are impressive. There's a level of maturity in his game that stands out."
Although Williams was widely expected to be the top pick, the Bears also held the ninth overall pick in the draft, adding to the anticipation and excitement surrounding the team's future.
Several mock drafts predicted the Bears would pick Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze, or possibly a player to bolster the defensive line. Trading the pick is also an option, as the Bears only own four draft picks.
After the first round, the Bears won't be picking again until the third round at pick No. 75 and then pick No. 122 in the fourth round. General manager Ryan Poles said he's OK with only having four picks entering this draft because he feels the Bears have a roster that doesn't have a lot of holes.
Other draft news and notes
Michigan quarterback and Nazareth Academy alum J.J. McCarthy also had a shot at being picked in the first round on Thursday. McCarthy led the Wolverines to an undefeated season that ended with a national championship with a 34-13 win over the Washington Huskies. He finished his career in Ann Arbor with a 27-1 record as a starter.
McCarthy's championship experience didn't start at Michigan. He made three state championship appearances at Nazareth Academy in La Grange Park and won the IHSA Class 7A title as a sophomore in 2018. He finished up his high school career in Florida at IMG Academy.
His former coaches have praised his abilities and potential to succeed at the next level.
"He's incredibly mature - you can see it in his mental focus and pre-game routines. He reads books on Navy SEALs and practices meditation," commented Greg Holcomb, who has been McCarthy's personal quarterbacks coach for a long time. "I believe he is the finest quarterback to emerge from Michigan, and his potential is limitless."
