NFL Trade Rumors: Chicago Bears Rookie Quarterback Caleb Williams Struggling in Practice

The Chicago Bears are heading into a very important summer, and hopes for the 2024 season are high. Unfortunately, their all-important rookie quarterback reportedly hasn't gotten off to a hot start. According to multiple sources, Caleb Williams struggled through an ugly practice on Thursday, throwing multiple near-interceptions and consistently missing targets.

My observations from Thursday's #Bears OTA practice.

Check it out. https://t.co/jGjuSmr6SE
— Nicholas Moreano (@NicholasMoreano) May 24, 2024

Veteran safety Kevin Byard took time to address Williams' issues, noting that the offense looked better in previous practices that weren't open to the media. "Sometimes it’s going to be back and forth and that’s how the season is going to be, week to week," Byard said. "Every week is not going to be great."

Williams, the first overall pick of the 2024 NFL Draft, has drawn Patrick Mahomes comparisons for his ability to improvise and make off-platform throws. Measuring in at 6'1, 214 lbs at the NFL Combine, Williams was a slippery quarterback with a penchant for extending plays and a flair for the dramatic in college, but there remain questions about whether his size and elusiveness will translate to the NFL level.

Bears fans were right to have plenty of optimism when the team nabbed Williams. After finishing 7-10 last season, they were already an unusually competitive team to be drafting first overall, and they acquired key veterans like six-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Keenan Allen, running back D'Andre Swift, and tight end Gerald Everett to supplement their offense. Typically, first-overall picks don't inherit situations that promising.

Bears fans don't have to adjust their expectations quite yet. Williams was without multiple pass catchers at yesterday's practice, including Allen and ninth-overall pick Rome Odunze. Just like every young quarterback, Williams will have his ups and downs. He still has plenty of time to find his groove before the season starts.