The moment Caleb Williams, the new quarterback for the Chicago Bears, was confirmed as the No. 1 pick in the NFL Draft 2024 has marked a crowning career achievement for the former Heisman Trophy winner.
Regarded as one of the best players in the draft and the best quarterback since Andrew Luck in 2012, the announcement by Commissioner Roger Goodell filled him with pride.
Post-selection, the player expressed his emotion to the NFL Network, stating: "To be able to look at this crowd and dream of these moments... It is honor. I am very privileged."
When it came to why he is the perfect fit for the Bears, he confidently asserted: "I am the right player because I care. I care about the community, the team, the facility... I care about the Chicago Bears."
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He'll be joining a prepared team in Chicago, thanks to its recent significant improvements over the past year including drafting two offensive tackles - Darnell Wright and Braxton Jones, and trading for receivers DJ Moore and Keenan Allen.
The Bears further bolstered their team in the draft, using the ninth overall selection to select wide receiver Rome Odunze. They also have the first pick of the second round, with a focus on building their team around Williams. It's likely that Chicago will add an offensive lineman with their third pick.
In addition, Chicago has brought in a new offensive coordinator, former Seattle Seahawks playcaller Shane Waldron. There was speculation that the Commanders might attempt to secure Williams by moving up from the second pick, especially given the recent hiring of his former offensive coordinator, Kliff Kingsbury, and the fact that they're his hometown team.
However, it seems the Bears had no plans to trade away their opportunity to select Williams, who is now set to don the No. 13 jersey for the team. Williams will be aiming to make history as the first Bears quarterback to throw for 30 touchdowns in a season.