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Courtney Cronin, ESPN Staff Writer
Orlando. FLORIDA — Chicago Bears coach Matt Eberflus said his biggest takeaway after watching Caleb Williams pitch at USC's pro day was why the quarterback is considered a favorite to be drafted No. 1. It focused on important aspects of
“You can see that arm talent on film and you can see it there,” Eberflus said Tuesday at an NFL league meeting.
But what perhaps most impressed Bears coaches was how Williams interacted with his teammates at dinners Chicago hosted for quarterbacks and receivers and during on-field workouts. Ta.
“What I wanted to see was interaction with other players,” Eberflus said. “You know, we talked to everyone on that team. We interviewed them at the Senior Bowl, we interviewed them at Pro Day. We talked to them at dinner, and those players You can definitely tell that they love him and what he brings to the program. ”
Eberflus spent about 80 minutes one-on-one with Williams in Los Angeles, learning more about the quarterback he is expected to coach through his rookie season in 2024. He revealed Williams' acumen on football and the path he took to reach the Heisman Trophy winner and top spot. The quarterback candidates left a strong impression.
“It’s just him and I in the room together and just really listening to his journey,” Eberflus said. “His journey from an early age. What I took away from that was how much his mother and father loved him. They were very supportive. You can see his personality, his soccer personality, his soccer knowledge. It was a really good visit.”
The Bears sent nine representatives to USC's pro day, including offensive coordinator Shane Waldron and quarterbacks coach Kelly Joseph. When Williams visits Halas Hall next week, he'll have a chance to meet with some of the offensive coaches who didn't make the trip to Los Angeles as the Bears continue to coach their quarterbacks on offense.
Testing Williams' memory and ability to process and communicate information given to him is one of the final things the Bears look at when evaluating quarterbacks.
“He was great in that regard,” Eberflus said. “I hope we get to visit him again and spend a little more time with him. He'll have a chance to spend a little more time with the offensive staff that wasn't there at his pro day. It's going to be good.”
Williams is also expected to be evaluated by the Bears' team doctor after refusing to undergo a medical exam at the NFL combine last month.
