We all know the story by now. Caleb Williams was the heavy favorite to be the #1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft. The Chicago Bears held that pick. However, there was a stretch of time where it felt like there was a possibility the two sides wouldn’t come together. Considering their rough history at quarterback, Williams had serious reservations about coming to Chicago. Conversely, Williams had a reputation for being a me-first guy and had significant questions about his ability to process defenses at high speed.
Things worked out in the end. The Bears eased Williams’ fears about fully committing to his success while he shined in interviews with his poise, confidence, and intelligence. From there, the decision became easy for GM Ryan Poles. However, Bill Zimmerman of Windy City Gridiron revealed that there was an alternative in mind if Williams didn’t make the right impression. Before you say it, no, it wouldn’t have been Jayden Daniels. Apparently, the Bears quietly had eyes on Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy.
McCarthy at least made some sense in the absence of Caleb Williams.
Plenty of people called for the Bears to trade down from #1 again. Granted, this was because they wanted the team to continue with Justin Fields. However, the scenario of moving down for a massive haul and taking McCarthy has logic to it. While not as prolific statistically as other quarterbacks in the draft, he had a reputation as a winner and seemed to shine brightest in big games. There was also the fact that he is an Illinois native, hailing from La Grange. That meant he would have a unique understanding of how to play in front of Bears fans. No doubt, the decision would’ve been received less than well if things played out as they did with McCarthy going on IR with his knee problem while Daniels thrived in Washington. Caleb Williams working out was probably for the best.
