The Chicago Bears made waves this past month when they hired Shane Waldron to replace Luke Getsy as offensive coordinator. While he comes from the same coaching tree of Sean McVay and Kyle Shanahan, Waldron is considered different in many ways. His ability to run the classic wide-zone while also adjusting the scheme in Seattle to a more vertical attack due to the personnel he had illustrates his adaptability. Once he arrived, many felt this clearly indicated the Bears were ready to take Caleb Williams #1 overall.
However, that might not be 100% certain. One question that must be asked is whether the USC standout is actually a good fit for what Waldron’s offense does best. Derrik Klassen of The 33rd Team is one of the most respected QB evaluators out there. He dug into Waldron as a schemer and playcaller before determining if Williams was the perfect guy for the job. In his estimation, Williams has the tools to play in that system. However, there is somebody who might be a better fit.
That is Drake Maye of North Carolina.
“Maye is a little different. Whereas Williams plays to the beat of his own drum within structure at times, Maye is more analogous to what Waldron had in Smith or what McVay has with Stafford.
Maye is a tall, rocket-armed passer who has never seen a throwing window he doesn’t like. He wants to manage the pocket, throw on time and push the ball down the field aggressively…
…Maye offers the familiarity of what this offense had with Smith and the do-or-die mentality that can separate the good from the great.”
Shane Waldron will have an opinion, but how big is unknown.
It is a reasonable assumption he has no problem working with Williams. The kid is a terrific talent. Adjusting to his strengths won’t be a challenge the new Bears coordinator fears. At the same time, Maye is a more talented version of Geno Smith. Keep in mind Smith went to a Pro Bowl under Waldron’s watch in 2022, throwing for over 4,000 yards and 30 touchdowns. Imagine what he might accomplish with a quarterback considered as talented as Justin Herbert or Josh Allen.
Everything hinges on what GM Ryan Poles wants. He holds the final decision. If Williams is the guy, that is who the Bears will pick. However, he’s made it clear that he will take opinions from everybody in the building, from his scouts to the coaching staff. Everybody will be heard. If Shane Waldron believes he can turn Maye into a star and others in the building back him up, it’s not crazy to think Poles can be convinced. Odds are there will be word on which direction they’re leaning after the combine.
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