The Bears currently appear to be planning to keep their No. 1 overall pick in April, but at least one former player on the team wants them to avoid drafting Caleb Williams.
in NBC Sports Chicago interview Ahead of the 2024 Super Bowl, Merrill Hoge said Williams, the former USC quarterback seen as the most likely No. 1 pick, is “not special.”
“He’s not unique like Patrick Mahomes,” Hoge said. “And I hope the Bears don’t think, ‘Let’s go get Patrick Mahomes to make up for the mistake we made when we passed on Patrick Mahomes.’” This kid is not Patrick Mahomes. He’s nowhere near that. ”
After the draft order was finalized, the Bears acquired the No. 1 pick in last year’s trade with the Panthers, but quarterback Justin Fields is also on the roster, and his 2023 season will include completion percentage and passing yards. set a career high. He also threw two fewer interceptions than last year.
Fields’ potential as a quarterback with improved passing numbers and dynamic performance as a runner could add value if the Bears trade the 24-year-old and keep a top pick.
After NFL.com, that scenario becomes more likely. reported on Saturday He says it would take a “crazy” trade for Chicago to part with his draft status.
“We’re going to do everything we can to make healthy decisions for the organization,” Bears general manager Ryan Pauls told reporters in January, according to NFL.com. “I thought Justin got better. I think he can lead this team. But at the same time, there are unique circumstances.”
The Bears won five of their final eight games in 2023 and kept their playoff hopes alive until Week 17, with Fields starting 13 games to gain experience but Hoge missing after his tenure at Ohio State. He has gained experience doing so.
Hoge, a former running back who spent the 1994 season with the Bears, said the Bears’ constant turnover in offensive coordinators, with Bill Lazor and Luke Goetzee filling the role through Fields’ three seasons as head coach, is a testament to the “offensive coordinator position.” It’s the worst thing that can happen to someone,” he added. Any player, especially the quarterback. ”
So although Hoge admitted he’s only watched six of Williams’ games at USC over the past two seasons, he envisions a scenario where Fields would be the right quarterback for the Bears, and the Bears pivot to Williams. There are also reasons to avoid moving.
“When Justin came out, I thought he was just inexperienced,” Hoge told NBC Sports Chicago. “He needed more experience. He lacked that.
“But from what I’ve seen of Justin Fields, from my assessment, there’s enough growth and tape there and I’m not going to let him go, because I’ve seen enough there. Because there is.”
