NFL Draft 2024 Rumors: Caleb Williams Had Dinner with Bears Front Office, Players

All signs point to the Chicago Bears selecting USC quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, and another one appeared Wednesday in the form of a report from ESPN’s 1000’s Mark Silverman, who noted that the ex-Trojans star recently ate dinner with team front office members and players.

“I will not tell you where it was, but I will tell you not only did Caleb Williams have a Bears meal, not only was Caleb Williams with front office members, but they had him dine with current members of the Chicago Bears,” Mark Silverman said on ESPN 1000 (h/t Ryan Taylor of NBC Sports Chicago).

“They had him not sit with the Bears executives, who were there by the way, but he sat and ate with current players on the current Bears roster.”

Ian Rapoport of NFL Network confirmed that the dinner occurred Tuesday, followed by a Top 30 facility visit to the Bears the following day. Rapoport added that the trip to Chicago would likely be Williams’ only Top 30 visit to a team.

Unsurprisingly, the Bears haven’t made it a secret that they’re doing plenty of homework on Williams. Of note, a heavy Bears contingent was at USC’s pro day, including general manager Ryan Poles, head coach Matt Eberflus and even new Chicago wideout Keenan Allen.

The Bears also spoke with Williams during a late night meeting at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. That led to some good reviews, per Albert Breer of MMQB.

“What they saw from Williams in that setting was an easy confidence, and a player who was not concerned much with what other people thought of him. That last part is key, because the Bears have tried to drill down on making sure the person they pick first can handle the pressure and spotlight of the Chicago market.”

Key Bears members have also spoken well of Williams, including Bears head coach Matt Eberflus, who had this to say in part after taking in his Pro Day to Tom Pelissero of NFL Network.

Ultimately, Williams should be hearing his name called No. 1 overall when the NFL draft begins on Thursday, April 25. At this point, the only drama awaiting the Bears on that day is what they do at No. 9.