The hoopla, hysteria and general hype around the NFL Draft is unrivaled. Thursday’s first round will be filled with the usual pomp and circumstance with stylish suits, neck-draped flashy bling, main-stage struts, Roger Goodell bro hugs and lifelong dreams realized. However, selfish gamers only care about one thing — Where does the rookie rank in the fantasy pecking order? Here’s instant analysis of Williams in the Bears offense.
No. 1 overall pick — Caleb Williams, QB, Chicago Bears
In the least shocking development of the century, the prized USC Trojan promptly walked the stage as the No. 1 overall selection. Really a more refined version of former Bears QB Justin Fields, Williams possesses the arm strength, footwork, recognition, competitiveness, unscripted wizardry and running ability to make a sizable immediate impact.
Last year with SC, he finished QB15 in adjusted completion percentage and scrambled for 11 rushing touchdowns. With D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, Cole Kmet, D’Andre Swift and possible other receiving additions at his disposal, Williams is a debatable back-end QB1 in 12-team leagues. He joins a Chicago squad that has uncertainty on the back end of its defense but will face the third-easiest strength of schedule in 2024.