**”Progress in Motion!” – Bears GM Ryan Poles on Caleb Williams**
Chicago Bears General Manager Ryan Poles has never been one for hyperbole, but even he can’t hide his excitement when talking about rookie quarterback Caleb Williams. Since the Bears selected Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the organization has been deliberate in its approach—building around him with elite weapons, reinforcing the offensive line, and installing an offense tailored to his strengths. Now, as the team progresses through OTAs and minicamp, Poles is seeing exactly what he hoped for: rapid, tangible growth.
“This is a different system, but I’ve seen a huge improvement from last year to this year just in terms of the operation,” Poles said, referencing Williams’ transition from college to the NFL under offensive coordinator Shane Waldron. “Ben’s system [at USC] was great, but there’s a lot more here. The way Caleb is processing, the way he’s communicating, the way he’s taking ownership—it’s night and day already.”
That’s high praise for a player who hasn’t taken a single regular-season snap yet, but Poles isn’t the only one noticing the strides. Coaches and teammates have consistently pointed to Williams’ work ethic, his ability to absorb complex NFL schemes, and his natural leadership—qualities that don’t always come easily, even for the most talented prospects.
Transitioning from college to the NFL is never easy, but Williams is facing an especially steep curve. Waldron’s offense, imported from Seattle, is far more nuanced than the spread-heavy scheme Williams ran at USC. It demands quicker decision-making, more precise footwork, and a deeper understanding of defensive coverages. Yet, according to Poles, Williams isn’t just keeping up—he’s thriving.
“A lot of rookies get overwhelmed early,” Poles admitted. “There’s so much information, so many adjustments, and the speed is just different. But Caleb? He’s attacking it. He’s asking the right questions, staying late, working with the receivers. You can see it clicking.”
That click has been evident in practice. Williams’ timing with receivers like DJ Moore, Keenan Allen, and rookie Rome Odunze has improved dramatically since the first day of OTAs. His command in the huddle, his adjustments at the line, and his ability to extend plays while keeping his eyes downfield have all drawn rave reviews.
Poles knows that a quarterback’s success is never just about the quarterback. That’s why the Bears spent the offseason ensuring Williams would have every possible advantage. The trade for six-time Pro Bowler Keenan Allen gives him a savvy veteran who can create instant separation. The selection of Odunze at No. 9 overall adds another dynamic weapon. The offensive line, bolstered by the addition of veteran tackle Darnell Wright last year and further refined this offseason, looks more stable than it has in years.
“We didn’t want to just throw him out there and say, ‘Figure it out,’” Poles said. “We wanted to surround him with guys who can help him grow. DJ [Moore] and Keenan [Allen] are pros—they know how to get open, how to make plays. The line is coming together. It’s all about putting him in the best position to succeed.”
Perhaps the most encouraging sign for Poles has been Williams’ intangibles. Franchise quarterbacks aren’t just talented—they elevate everyone around them. From day one, Williams has embraced the responsibility that comes with being the face of the Bears.
“He’s got that ‘it’ factor,” Poles said. “Guys gravitate to him. He’s confident but not arrogant. He holds himself accountable, and that makes others want to match his intensity. That’s something you can’t teach.”
Teammates have echoed that sentiment. Veteran safety Kevin Byard, who joined the Bears this offseason, noted how quickly Williams has taken charge. “You can tell he’s a natural leader,” Byard said. “He’s not afraid to speak up, but he also listens. That’s rare for a rookie.”
Of course, Poles is careful to temper expectations. Rookie quarterbacks, no matter how talented, face inevitable growing pains. The Bears’ schedule won’t do Williams any favors, with early matchups against playoff-caliber defenses. There will be mistakes, missed throws, and moments where the game looks too fast.
But Poles isn’t worried about the setbacks—he’s focused on the trajectory. “It’s all about progress,” he said. “We’re not expecting perfection right away. We’re looking for him to learn, adapt, and keep getting better. And so far, he’s doing exactly that.”
If Williams continues on this path, the Bears might finally have the franchise quarterback they’ve been searching for decades. And for Poles, that’s the ultimate validation of the plan he’s been building since taking over as GM.
“This is why we made the moves we did,” Poles said. “This is why we built the team this way. It’s all coming together. And the best part? We’re just getting started.”
For the Chicago Bears and Caleb Williams, progress isn’t just a hope—it’s already in motion.
