Caleb Williams

The No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, Caleb Williams figures to be a Day 1 starter for the Bears, who have given their rookie quarterback an embarrassment of pass-catching riches with the WR trio of D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen and No. 9 overall draft pick Rome Odunze. After transferring from Oklahoma to USC in 2022, Williams won the Heisman Trophy in his first season with the Trojans, throwing for 42 touchdowns and running for 10 more. Williams was slightly less spectacular in 2023 but still had a fine season for a defensively weak USC squad that asked its quarterback to carry the team all year. Williams has abundant arm talent and mobility. He's a creative quarterback who excels at making plays out of structure. There's always a steep learning curve for rookie quarterbacks, but C.J. Stroud just reminded us that a high-quality rookie QB can be fantasy-viable right away.

The Chicago Bears have selected QB Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft.

Fantasy Impact

This was the expectation all offseason and it is now official. With the Bears trading Justin Fields, Williams is expected to step in as the Week 1 starter for Chicago. He'll have Keenan Allen, DJ Moore and Cole Kmet to throw to, as well as D'Andre Swift out of the backfield and a potential rookie receiver if they don't trade out of the No. 9 pick. With his offensive weapons and rushing ability, Williams should be fantasy relevant right away. The biggest question will be the offensive line he is playing behind.