NFL Exec Questions Caleb Williams' 'Play Style' with Bears: 'It's So Off-Schedule'

There is no shortage of optimism for the new era of Chicago Bears football entering the 2024 season in large part because of the presence of No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams, but one NFL executive raised some concern.

"I struggle with his play style because it's so off-schedule, and I don't think they are going to be very good up front," the executive told Mike Sando of The Athletic in a piece published Thursday. "If they can't run the ball and he can't operate on time and they have a lot of early down negatives, it becomes pure dropback on third down. But there are going to be some absolute moments of beauty off-schedule."

The offensive line is once again a concern for the Bears, just like it consistently was when Justin Fields was the quarterback. Fields was unable to become the long-term franchise quarterback in part because of the struggles around him, and the hope in Chicago is something similar doesn't play out with Williams.

Williams at least has more weapons, as the NFC North team is loaded with impact skill position players.

DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, Rome Odunze, Cole Kmet, D'Andre Swift and Gerald Everett, among others, gives the rookie plenty of options when it comes to spreading the ball around, which raises the ceiling for a team looking to make a playoff push.

"Super talented quarterback," an executive said of the roster situation. "The time-to-throw will be interesting. I do expect guys to get open quickly with Keenan Allen's route running and what (Rome) Odunze brings. Everyone has been talking about their offense, but their defense could be better."

A formidable defense would be key for the Bears, especially early in the season. That would take some of the pressure off Williams and ideally put him in a position where he will not have to play off-schedule early in his career.

His first chance to live up to the hype will be Sunday against the Tennessee Titans.