NFL Coach Calls Out Caleb Williams, Bears QB Displayed Traits 'That Scare You' in 2024

Caleb Williams showed promising signs during his rookie season under center with the Chicago Bears in 2024, but there's also some cause for concern moving forward.

"You saw signs and ability, and I also think you saw signs and ability that scare you," an NFL coach told The Athletic's Mike Sando. "Nervousness in the pocket, inability to see and play on time. But I do not know yet if that was him or coaching. Parts of me wondered if you could get it done with this guy, but it's good enough to make you think you have a chance."

Williams' processing in the pocket particularly came under fire.

"He's got the talent to go up, but in terms of processing ability and getting the ball out of his hands, it was the worst we played against," a defensive coordinator told Sando. "He just holds the ball forever. I'm thinking, 'The ball should go right there! Throw it! Throw it!' And he did not throw it."

While the 23-year-old had a tendency to hold onto the ball long, poor offensive line play also contributed to him getting sacked a league-leading 68 times last season.

There was also some optimism that Williams could put his struggles in the rearview mirror as he gains more experience.

"Maybe it is a little bit like Josh (Allen) early in his career, where he has so much good other stuff that you will live with some negative plays, and as he gets more snaps under his belt, that part will come," a general manager said.

The No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft ended his rookie year by completing 62.5 percent of his throws for 3,541 yards and 20 touchdowns compared to six interceptions in 17 starts.

Williams ended the season on a high note, tossing 11 touchdowns while getting picked off just once over his final seven appearances.

He could take a step forward in his upcoming sophomore season with a new playbook, as the Bears hired former Detroit Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson as their new head coach. The Lions paced the NFL in scoring offense with their average of 33.2 points per game last season.

Williams will need to put some of his worrying traits in the past first, however.