Caleb Williams is expecting big things from the Chicago Bears this season.
The rookie quarterback told reporters he expects the Bears to be "pretty damn good" after working with his teammates in minicamp.
"It's pretty awesome," Williams said Thursday. "There's a light at the end of that tunnel. Right now we're working with our head down and we're building, [but] just having that moment with myself — I do it every day — to sit there and say, 'We're gonna be pretty damn good.' So I've just gotta keep going, keep working, and we're all excited. It's really important to have that mindset, but also have the mindset of let's keep going, let's keep working, let's get after it."
Williams is the first No. 1 overall pick for the Bears franchise since 1947 and comes with massive expectations. Viewed as a potential star at the pro level dating back to high school, Williams has earned lofty comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes.
"We all know it's a quarterback-driven league," Bears general manager Ryan Poles said on the Adam Schefter Podcast (20:30 mark). "You need a guy who puts you in position to win games. And in scouting, we talk about win because of and win with types of quarterbacks. Those are the ones you need to win championships."
The Bears have done everything in their power to surround Williams with the best roster for a No. 1 overall pick in recent memory. Williams will have veteran star wideouts Keenan Allen and DJ Moore on the outside, a rookie receiver to grow with in Rome Odunze and a solid running back room led by D'Andre Swift.
Chicago also has a strong defense that made massive strides last season after acquiring Pro Bowl defensive end Montez Sweat.
Given the talent around Williams, it's no wonder he's feeling confident with three months remaining before the start of the 2024 season.
