REPORT NEWS: A former NFL running back has issued a cautionary message to the Chicago Bears and other teams regarding Caleb Williams, stating, “He’s not special.”

As the 2024 NFL Draft approaches, the Chicago Bears are anticipated to choose Caleb Williams as the first overall pick. However, former NFL running back and current ESPN analyst Merril Hoge isn’t fully sold on the prospect’s potential value for the Bears or other teams in the league.

While playing for the USC Trojans, Williams distinguished himself as one of the top prospects in contention for the upcoming draft. Standing at 6’1″, the quarterback showcased his ability to excel by capitalizing on defensive weaknesses with precise accuracy and an exceptional understanding of the game.

Merril Hoge cautions against overstating Caleb Williams’ potential impact for the Chicago Bears and other NFL teams due to several weaknesses in Williams’ game. These weaknesses include a reluctance to execute throw-and-catch football on schedule, sluggishness in progressions, a need to refine timing at the NFL level, and a tendency towards a hero-ball mentality that can be detrimental in critical situations.

Nov 18, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws during the second quarter against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Jason Parkhurst-USA TODAY Sports

In an episode of “The Herd with Colin Cowherd,” Merril Hoge elucidates why the Chicago Bears and other NFL teams should exercise caution when considering Caleb Williams in the upcoming draft.

The ESPN analyst emphasized that Williams’ success in the NFL hinges on his ability to strike a balance between utilizing his running ability and staying disciplined within the pocket. Hoge pointed to quarterbacks like Joe Burrow and C.J. Stroud as examples of players who have thrived in the league by primarily operating from the pocket.

The coming months will be pivotal for Williams as he faces scrutiny from all angles. Whether the Chicago Bears ultimately select him or if another team swoops in, it’s clear that the potential number one pick will face significant challenges ahead.