Analyst reveals bold projection for Bears rookie QB Caleb Williams

One analyst believes Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams won't face a steep learning curve and will produce solid numbers immediately.

On Tuesday, ESPN's Mike Clay revealed his top five projected leaders among rookies in various statistical categories. He projects that Williams — the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft — will lead rookies in passing, throwing for 3,532 yards and 23 touchdowns in 15 starts.

"This is a bit of an unusual class in that the supporting cast/scheme around a few of these QBs provides optimism that they can produce at a higher statistical level than a typical rookie," wrote Clay. "That group includes Williams and [Minnesota Vikings QB J.J. McCarthy], who will benefit from excellent offensive playmakers around them in Chicago and Minnesota, respectively."

Williams should benefit from an improved receiving corps. This offseason, Chicago acquired six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen and drafted Rome Odunze with the ninth overall pick. The Bears already had star WR D.J. Moore, who tied for eighth in the league in TD catches (eight in 17 games) last season.