NFL insiders believe Bears will draft Caleb Williams, or other QB, at No. 1

The Chicago Bears have an important decision to make this offseason at quarterback, especially as they own the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft. But it’s a decision that won’t have any clarity anytime soon, as Chicago is in the early stages of their draft evaluation.

The assumption by many is the Bears will elect to draft a quarterback with the top pick, most likely USC’s Caleb Williams. But according to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Justin Fields has made the decision “very difficult” with his improved performance and the support inside the locker room.

Fowler said the Bears are still in the early stages of draft evaluation, where they’ll do some character studies and deep film work. But an interesting wrinkle is that Williams hasn’t actually declared for the 2024 NFL draft yet.

Williams has 48 hours to decide whether he’s going pro or returning to USC. If Williams does indeed declare for the draft, there are many who believe the Bears would lean Williams — or another quarterback — at first overall.

“I have talked with some people in and around the program that believe they will land on a Caleb Williams or a quarterback at No. 1 but still has to be sorted out,” Fowler said.

From @sportscenter earlier: The #Bears QB process, and playoff injuries – Mostert/Waddle, Brown (before declared out), LaPorta pic.twitter.com/7qyVfRiyQ3

— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) January 13, 2024

General manager Ryan Poles said the team is still in “information gathering mode,” as far as the quarterback position goes. While Poles believes Fields can lead this team, he has to do his due diligence during this draft process.

“We are going to turn every stone to make sure we make a sound decision for our organization,” Poles said. “I do think Justin got better. I do think he can lead this team. At the same time, there’s a unique situation and our staff has to look at everything.”