Photo: Caleb Williams Only Rookie Among Bears Captains After Going No. 1 in NFL Draft

Caleb Williams is already establishing himself as a leader in the Chicago Bears' locker room.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft was announced as one of eight captains for the Bears on Monday.

Williams joined Tremaine Edmunds, T.J. Edwards, DJ Moore, Kevin Byard, Cole Kmet, Jaylon Johnson, and Marcedes Lewis as captains for Chicago's 2024 campaign. The signal-caller is the only rookie on the team to earn the honor.

The overall number of players represents an increase over Chicago's four captains in 2023, with Moore and Edmunds earning the title in consecutive seasons.

Williams endeared himself to his teammates throughout the preseason, showcasing the arm talent and off-script playmaking that helped him win the 2022 Heisman Trophy with the Trojans. In two appearances, he completed 50 percent of his throws for 170 yards.

He wasn't able to record a passing touchdown or an interception, although he scored on the ground during Chicago's 27-3 victory over the Cincinnati Bengals on Aug. 17.

"It's the fruits of his labor," Bears head coach Matt Eberflus said in regards to Williams' preseason success, per ESPN's Courtney Cronin. "He's been working his tail off in practices and even before that, all through the summer. It's good to be able to say that hey, all this drill work, all the things I've been doing, it's paying off and I can see the improvements."

Williams will now attempt to help the Bears get off to a strong start in Week 1 against a Tennessee Titans team that allowed 227.4 passing yards per game in 2023.

Kickoff is on Sunday at 1 p.m. ET.