“Has No History of Winning”: Caleb Williams’ Draft Stock Dips as Hopes Dim to Emulate CJ Stroud’s Rookie Brilliance

The FOX Sports analyst and host Joy Taylor spills some tea about the USC Trojans quarterback, Caleb Williams. Now that the No. 1 pick for the 2024 NFL Draft is going to the Chicago Bears, better times await for Matt Eberflus’ squad. However, Taylor seems to be not at all convinced that the quarterback will hoist the flag of victory for the Bears in his rookie season. 

The list of reasons continues. Meanwhile, fans continuously compare Williams to CJ Shroud, last year’s Rookie of the Year. 

The Bears’ environment will be challenging for Williams

Going by the mock drafts and speculations, the Bears will use the No. 1 overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft to materialize the selection of Williams. He has already dined with the franchise’s coaches, who wish to hire Williams as the rookie quarterback so that Chicago can achieve quick success. However, Taylor’s analysis shows that their dream to make the playoffs with his help is far-fetched. According to her, Williams and the Bears’ journey to the playoffs will be challenging since “He’s going to a team that has no culture, has no history of winning as of late, whose coach we don’t know is a good head coach, etc.”

Since 2000, Chicago has made the playoffs six times. However, last year marked the third straight season the Bears have missed the playoffs. Hence, Taylor rightly pointed out how the team is not lucky in terms of owning a winning history. Along with this, the Bears HC had a disappointing first season with his poor performance coordinating the defense last season. Blending all these pointers and comparisons with Stroud has put Williams in a precarious situation.  

The CJ Stroud effect on Williams

Last season, CJ Stroud threw for over 4,000 yards and led the Houston Texans to the playoffs. As a rookie and the No. 1 pick, Williams is subjected to the CJ Shroud effect. The rookie scenario in the NFL has evolved over the years because, in the past, they sat behind a seasoned veteran and had to go through an apprenticeship before taking over the starting position.

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This way, Stroud’s greatness will directly impact this year’s No. 1 quarterback pick, Williams, who will join the Bears. However, the Texans’ culture has been different and has worked in favor of Stroud, which will not be the case for the USC quarterback. In the case of Stroud’s rookie season, the locker room leadership worked out.

Hence, the Ryan Poles’ Bears team is far from coming up with the supporting factors for Williams. With this, the high hopes surrounding the quarterback seem to disappear with every passing day, and least to no chances of making it to the playoffs.

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