Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams was expected by most fans and analysts to be selected first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft. With that event now in the past, it’s time for the rookie signal-caller to get to work.
To achieve the greatest success overall in his career, starting it correctly is critical.
Here are three key points Williams needs to keep in mind as the rubber meets the road.
1. Allow the team to do the heavy lifting
As a rookie, Williams isn’t expected to win on his own. Luckily in his case, Williams is surrounded by quality veteran talent. As such, when pertinent, he would be smart to let stars like Keenan Allen do the heavy lifting, especially early in the season.
If there’s a shot at a touchdown but a guaranteed check-down option opens up, he should take the sure thing. In other words, he should not try to be fancy at any moment this year unless his back is against the wall. Put simply, save the flash for future seasons.
If he can hide some of his tricks early, he can save them with the element of surprise. Then, when defenses force him to pivot, he will have those tricks up his sleeve. In the meantime, he also should be working on new tricks so he can pivot to those too if needed.
2. Learn first, win second
While some have placed pressure on Williams to win the Super Bowl this season, the 2024 campaign is only the introduction to long NFL career. For that reason, he should focus on learning first instead of nailing down finalized strategies.
In other words, the USC product should keep an open mind. Whether he wins or not this year, 2024 serves as the first stepping stone to a bigger future.
He doesn’t need to win it all this year or even in the next few years. Of course, he needs to have a few good games this season to stoke hopes, but as the No. 1 pick, he has more time than everyone else to develop.
3. Stay humble and hungry
One common downfall for players drafted as high as Williams is that they get satisfied. Too many players believe that they have achieved their life goals of playing in the NFL. As such, they stop dreaming and start partying, taking endorsement deals in addition to their basic responsibilities with their team, and eroding. By the time it is time to take the field, they are woefully underprepared.
With Williams already starting 888 Midas with his rookie contract funds per Bloomberg, it is reasonable to question his focus. Of course, it is much too early to declare one way or the other where his mentality truly is. However, 888 Midas is at least one clear seed you can point to as a cause for concern.
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