The Chicago Bears knew the challenge ahead of them. Caleb Williams was the widely viewed prize of the 2024 draft class. While the Bears did hold the #1 pick and could draft him regardless of his preference, it would behoove them to do everything in their power to get off on the right foot with the young quarterback. A great way to do that is by surrounding him with players who can help him achieve his goal of being great in the NFL. That is why they traded for Keenan Allen and drafted Rome Odunze #9 overall. Williams might be the most heavily-armed #1 pick in league history.
However, it can’t just be about on-the-field stuff. Building good relationships in the locker room is also important. The last thing the Bears want is for Williams to feel alienated in his new home. This was a problem that several previous young quarterbacks faced. So GM Ryan Poles brought in a familiar face Williams knows well. His name is John Jackson. Though he spent his last college season at Nevada, he spent most of his career at USC and happens to be the quarterback’s best friend.
“Caleb is probably my best friend,” Jackson said. “One thing about him I will say, and this is just because I know him on a personal level, is he’s competitive. He reads what people say, so he will definitely come out with a chip on his shoulder.”
The Chicago Bears know what they’re doing with this move.
Adding Jackson to the mix brings another body for training camp. It also puts a familiar face in the locker room for Williams to interact with. Whatever it takes to help him get comfortable. The rookie isn’t going to cost much money. There is zero harm in this decision. Jackson never managed to see the field as a starter for USC, serving as a backup for three seasons. That is why he transferred to Nevada. There, he had a decent year, catching 35 passes for 267 yards, which was third-best on the team.
He isn’t the fastest guy on the field based on his limited tape. That said, his route-running is solid, and he has good size at 6’1 and 215 lbs. He should provide good competition at the bottom of the depth chart. Maybe his best asset is special teams experience. He gained lots of it at both USC and Nevada. If he is going to make the team, it will be through that avenue. The Chicago Bears value special teams highly. Jackson’s relationship with Williams may have got him a shot, but his third phase experience must carry him the rest of the way.
“I have played on official teams.”
🙂
So funny.
As I have indicated multiple times, the new Bears will do as much as possible to make Caleb comfortable, happy, satisfied, secure, and allow him considerable input on football matters. As to the claim that this move has “zero harm” is idealistic, if not naive. Principle and practice are different domains. Players, like students, do not like preferential treatment for others. I have played on official teams: football, baseball, softball, basketball, tennis, volleyball, boxing, and almost hockey. Resentment by some players existed and demonstrated on each of these teams. What if this WR is deemed less talented than another that… Read more »
@Dr. Melhus Isn’t there a chance that someone else on the roster is gonna eventually be pissed that Poles didn’t hand one of -their- guys a roster spot? Poles can make things all about Caleb or he can make things all about the Chicago Bears, but he can’t do both at once.
Critics will find something to complain about but I think Poles is a sharp cat bringing in Caleb’s best friend. An important thing for a young man to have in a new environment is a strong support structure. Williams’ friend gives him someone to lean on and trust through his transition from college to pro competition. Poles is taking every step to set Caleb up for success with the Bears. WTG!
I’ve got to say Poles has got more angles than a architect. Now if Warren can can show progress on that new stadium and get it done in my lifetime.