Chicago is not Hollywood.
And Bears veteran Jaylon Johnson has confirmed that USC’s Caleb Williams, the Bears’ presumed starting QB in 2024, will be drafted No. 1 overall by Chicago in the upcoming 2024 NFL Draft. I think you should remember that.
“Just be humble about the baggage that goes into the building. You can’t bring Hollywood stuff into the building, especially guys who have been playing this game at a high level for years in the league.” Johnson said Thursday on “Up & Adams.”. “What you did in college and in Hollywood, it’s like, ‘No, I have to prove myself.’ That doesn’t matter.’ You have to know him, too.
“I think there’s a fine line between trying to prove a point to him and getting to know him. At the end of the day, we want him to be the best he can be. I hope so. That’s why we brought him in to win the game. Just really learning who he is as a person and learning him deeper than all the Hollywood productions you see. Instead, it’s about actually learning and getting to know him and finding out what drives him.”
The Bears have long had quarterback problems – think Justin Fields and Mitch Trubisky – but they’re hoping Williams will finally end their franchise quarterback drought.
Williams won the 2022 Heisman Trophy and accomplished a great deal with the Trojans. His dual-threat ability should help him succeed in today’s NFL.
Johnson’s “Hollywood” remark referred to Williams playing for the Trojans in Southern California, which is a much different place than Chicago.
Chicago loves its thoroughly blue-collar stars compared to the flashy figures of Rodeo Drive.
The Bears are looking to ease Williams’ transition to the NFL by adding a veteran playmaker in receiver Keenan Allen and free agent running back D’Andre Swift.
Johnson is back leading the defense after signing a four-year, $76 million extension this offseason and said he is “excited” to have Williams leading the show.
The Bears cleared the way for Williams last week by trading former starter Fields to the Steelers.
“You hear a lot of different things being thrown around, like comparisons and ‘generational talent,’ and so on. So, for me, I think I’m just excited about that,” Johnson said. “But I also think it’s hard to compare him to Patrick Mahomes and players like that. Patrick Mahomes didn’t just come in his rookie year and do what he’s been doing the last few years. it took time.
“Just being patient with his progress, patient with how he comes in, the mistakes he’s going to make and the plays he’s going to make. He’s a very talented guy. He can definitely do things with his legs, he’s got plenty of arm talent, and I feel like there’s no throw he can’t make.”
