Where Caleb Williams Would Be Taken in a Quarterback-Only Draft

Chicago Bears fans knew that Caleb Williams was their franchise quarterback after his rookie season, but last year proved it further. 

Williams threw for 3,541 passing yards, 20 touchdowns and six interceptions as a rookie. The odds were stacked against him as he navigated a head coaching change and multiple offensive coordinators. 

His OCs were Shane Waldron, Thomas Brown and Chris Beatty. Matt Eberflus was fired, and Brown stepped in as the interim HC. 

Eberflus is now with the San Francisco 49ers as the assistant head coach of the defense. 

Williams truly flourished with Ben Johnson. 

He broke the Bears' franchise record for single-season passing yards last season. He finished with 3,942 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. 

After a breakout season in 2025, NFL Analysts like Danny Parkins have expectations that Williams will be in the conversation for the 2026 MVP Award. 

Others, like Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk, revealed where they would draft Williams in a quarterback-only draft. Florio stated that if he were accounting for age, he would pick Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen first, with Williams at No. 2. 

"Right now, given their age and level of experience, I would go [Josh] Allen one, and Caleb [Williams] two," Florio said. 

Allen is a four-time Pro Bowler and has an NFL MVP (2024) honor tied to his name. So, to be included in the same breath as him is a pretty good sign of the kind of player Williams is becoming. 

Williams is entering year three of his NFL career and is already predicted to compete for the NFL MVP. 

The Bears are going to look different in his third season. 

D.J. Moore was traded to the Bills this offseason for a second-round pick. The Bears added Kalif Raymond in free agency and drafted Zavion Thomas out of LSU. 

The offensive line is changing out one of its starters from a year ago. Drew Dalman retired, and the Bears brought in Garrett Bradbury in a trade with the New England Patriots. 

On defense, Chicago lost Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker to free agency. Former Seattle Seahawks safety Coby Bryant was another free-agent addition, and the Bears drafted Dillon Thieneman out of Oregon to start opposite him. 

The road isn't going to be easy for Williams or the Bears in 2026. The Washington Commanders went from reaching the NFC Championship Game in 2024 to missing the playoffs entirely last season. 

However, Williams and the Bears have overcome the odds before.