Caleb Williams' Development Hyped By Bears' Ben Johnson, 'So Much More Comfortable'

Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson is encouraged by the improvement he has seen from second-year quarterback Caleb Williams this offseason.

Johnson told reporters the young passer is "so much more comfortable right now."

"Even yesterday — the walkthrough — in terms of moving around, we go from gun to under (center) to the tight ends are moving, the receivers are moving," he said. "We're adding more every day. I told him this on the player day off: his process is really clean right now. I'm talking about how he's preparing. I'm really pleased with it. He's doing the work behind the scenes that no one else is seeing and we're starting to see the dividends being paid from it."

Williams started to show progress toward the end of his rookie campaign. In his final seven starts, which followed a four-game streak without a touchdown pass, he threw for 1,525 yards, 11 touchdowns and one interception.

Accelerating the 2024 No. 1 overall pick's development was clearly an organizational priority.

Johnson was widely considered one of the top candidates in the coaching market. The former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator built a reputation as an astute tactician and helped Jared Goff become a Pro Bowler again.

The Bears spent a first-round pick on tight end Colston Loveland before using second- and third-rounders on wide receiver Luther Burden III and offensive tackle Ozzy Trapilo.

Signing center Drew Dalman and acquiring offensive guards Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson further fortified a line that allowed an NFL-high 68 sacks in 2024.

The supporting cast around Williams is better and he should have a coaching staff that can maximize his gifts.

Johnson's remarks are exactly what you'd expect to hear from a coach who wants to build more confidence in his quarterback. Still, you can't help but be excited about how Williams will look in Week 1.