For those who may have already forgotten, quarterback Caleb Williams wasn’t exactly subtle last year leading up to the 2024 draft. Everybody knew the Chicago Bears were selecting him #1 overall. Where it got odd is how he seemed to strike up a fast friendship with Washington wide receiver Rome Odunze. It immediately led to speculation that Williams might known something others didn’t, like perhaps the Bears were hoping to land Odunze with their 9th overall pick. Things then unfolded precisely that way.
Why is this relevant? Namely, because Williams may have done it again. The NFL is currently clustered in Indianapolis for the scouting combine. Quarterbacks and wide receivers went through workouts on Saturday. It appears the Bears quarterback was watching the action because fans found a reel on his Instagram watching Tennessee standout Dont’e Thornton Jr. While the Bears may not be seeking a receiver in the early rounds, some believe they might go hunting for some speed in this draft.
How convenient it was for Thornton to run a 4.3 flat in the 40-yard dash.
Caleb Williams might’ve been told something.
Why? Here’s the thing about Thornton. If you were to squint, you’d immediately see a ton of similarities between him and Detroit Lions receiver Jameson Williams. Both are big, long, and insanely fast. Williams was more productive in college, but the skillsets are nearly identical. As we know, Ben Johnson was the offensive coordinator in Detroit when Williams was drafted. The receiver just went for 1,000 yards this past season. His speed was a constant issue for defenses to deal with, especially in the creative hands of Johnson.
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No doubt the Bears head coach might feel he can do the same with Thornton. Initial projections have the receiver going somewhere on Day 3 of the draft, likely between the 4th and 6th rounds. Though a physical freak of nature, his modest production in college has some wary of how much better he can be. Bears fans are likely still having nightmares about Velus Jones. Even so, it appears Caleb Williams is already a fan. His Instagram slipup may have signaled what is coming in April.
