Set as the Bears' starting quarterback, Caleb Williams is focused on listening now, then plans to lead

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — When the Bears hosted coveted prospect Caleb Williams for a pre-draft visit in early April, he sought to find out why the franchise had so often failed to successfully develop the prized quarterback prospects before him.

Bears general manager Ryan Poles responded by presenting the team’s plan for Williams’ future, which included an important correction to past mistakes. This time, there would be clarity in everyone's role. The Bears wouldn't force their rookie quarterback to beat out a stopgap veteran as part of a murky succession plan in which the timing element was unclear.

Williams, 22, will immediately lead the Bears forward as their starting quarterback, beginning with the start of rookie minicamp Friday at Halas Hall.

“No conversation,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said. “He’s the starter.”

That certainly wasn’t news to Williams – or anyone in Chicago who has followed the Bears’ offseason – as it had been the expectation for months before the NFL Draft began on April 25.

But symbolically speaking, Eberflus' words Friday represented a departure from past missteps by the Bears. Back in 2017, rookie Mitchell Trubisky – the No. 2 overall pick in that draft – was the third-string quarterback in his first offseason. He had to beat out anointed starter Mike Glennon and veteran backup Mark Sanchez. Trubisky stepped into the starting role after Glennon struggled, as he made only four starts on his three-year, $45-million contract. He was released following the 2017 season.

Then in 2021, the Bears selected quarterback Justin Fields with the No. 11 overall pick in the NFL Draft after having already named Andy Dalton their starter. With great expectations for Fields' future, Dalton was greeted by boos during preseason games at Soldier Field, creating an incredibly awkward dynamic that Fields himself tried to stop. Fields became Chicago’s full-time starter in the third game of the season after Dalton suffered a knee injury in the second game.

Williams understands well that being the starting quarterback means serving as a key leader, and he's approaching the process with an even-keeled demeanor.

“Obviously, you have goals that you set for yourself right in the moment,” Williams said. “Also, you have goals for the future. So, that’s important. But understanding the moment that we’re in and being in that moment is really important. Taking it one step at a time, handling it the way that it needs to be handled and being a professional is really important. All of those go in one.

“To be a great leader, you got to learn how to follow first. Right now, I'm following all the vets, following all the coaches. I'm listening, having both ears open and my mouth shut. Just kind of sitting back listening. And then when I get to the point of when I learn everything, when I learn the ways we do it, the culture the playbook and the offensive line, wide receivers, running backs, tight ends and all of that, then you can start taking the lead, then you can start taking the helm of all it and taking the next steps.

“For right now, though, I'm listening more than I’m speaking and talking and I’m taking it one step at a time, being in the moment.”

On Friday afternoon, the Bears will hold the first of two practices for their rookie minicamp, marking Williams’ first work on the field at Halas Hall in a Chicago uniform.

At rookie minicamp, Williams will lead a roster comprised of four other 2024 draft picks, nine undrafted free agents and 27 tryout players. Of course, most of the attention will be on Williams.

Speaking before practice, Eberflus noted his hope was to see a clean operation from Williams as he works through the basics of his position in an NFL offense. That means taking what was presented in meetings and bringing it to the practice field and showcasing the fundamentals like breaking the huddle and getting his offense aligned quickly.

Bears offensive coordinator Shane Waldron can begin installing his system with Williams leading the way.

"Man, it's hard to imagine a better situation honestly,” said Bears rookie wide receiver Rome Odunze, the No. 9 overall pick in the draft. “Just coming in with a rookie quarterback allows us to grow together and allows us to learn this offense together as well. So, when he's studying, I'm there right next to him studying and getting his mindset on different routes and concepts and learning his sort of perspective on the whole offense, which is a great way for me to learn.

“To be alongside him is a blessing."

In the two weeks since the Bears drafted him, Williams has gotten acclimated to the city and the opportunity ahead of him. He attended a Cubs game at Wrigley Field last Saturday and sat courtside as the Sky played a preseason game Tuesday. He also made a necessary trip to Target for some essentials.

But when Williams arrived at Halas Hall on Friday morning, his focus was on work. He met with Eberflus, Waldron and the coaching staff, studied the film and asked key questions. Williams' goal is to have the offense mastered at the end of the offseason program so he can lead his teammates into training camp and the new season.

“There’s a process,” Williams said. “There’s a plan.

“I’m excited for what’s next.”

 Chris Emma covers the Bears, Chicago’s sports scene and more for 670TheScore.com. Follow him on Twitter @CEmma670 .