Caleb Williams leads Bears through a spirited first practice in full pads

LAKE FOREST, Ill. (670 The Score) — Leading the Bears’ starting offense through a two-minute drill at the conclusion of practice Friday morning, rookie quarterback Caleb Williams unleashed a deep throw to the end zone.

Williams overshot rookie receiver Rome Odunze, who broke free from defenders and was wide open. A collective groan went through the bleachers from the fans at Halas Hall. Williams then broke the huddle for the next play, dropped back and found receiver Tyler Scott streaking toward the end zone. He hit him in stride for a 35-yard touchdown, the highlight of the Bears’ first practice in full pads.

Friday marked an important step in the developmental track of Williams, who led the Bears through practice at a faster pace and with full contact around him. But while Williams’ performance is now under a more intense microscope, the goals are still simple.

“Making sure that he controls the pace with him in and out of the huddle,” Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said. “Making sure all those reps are good.”

Williams hadn’t led a practice at full speed and in full pads since last November, leading up to his final game at USC. The Bears conducted their offseason program without pads and often at a slower speed in order to create an environment more conducive for learning.

Once the pads come on, there’s a far greater intensity in practice. For a rookie quarterback, that means more pressure in the pocket, windows in coverage closing faster and quick decisions that must be on point.

“He keeps progressing,” Bears center Coleman Shelton said of Williams. “He's getting better every day. That's evident in terms of whether it's just the run downs or his talent throwing the football. It's been fun to watch and fun to be a part of.”

The Bears were eager to strap on the full pads and work with full contact, and that was certainly clear Friday. Practice was heated at times, with increased pushing, shoving and talking.

Early in practice, Bears veteran pass rusher DeMarcus Walker – one of the team’s most vocal players – began barking at the starting offense. It was Williams who got right in Walker’s facemask and exchanged words, defending his teammates on that side of the football.

Williams was swiftly pulled back to the huddle, though it left a strong impression on the Bears.

"That's my quarterback,” veteran offensive lineman Ryan Bates said. “I love that mentality.

“That's who he is. He's a chippy guy. He wants to get in there, he wants to compete."

The Bears will practice once again in full pads Saturday morning at Halas Hall before a scheduled off day Sunday. It’s part of their gradual ramp-up period leading to their exhibition opener next Thursday in the Hall of Fame Game in Canton, Ohio.

The Bears are still determining the workload for Williams and their starters for the preseason slate.

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