NFL: Bears select Caleb Williams first in 2024 draft | NFL

The Chicago Bears confirmed expectations and selected quarterback Caleb Williams, from the University of Southern California (USC), with the first pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, this Thursday, in Detroit (USA). The player received his new shirt from league commissioner Roger Goodell.

Williams was the favorite even before his second and final season as USC's starting quarterback. He stunned the college football world in his first season with Cal, after transferring from Oklahoma, where he played in the 2021 championship game, and in 2022, Caleb threw 42 touchdown passes with just five interceptions in 14 games and led USC to a sweep. Of 11 wins and three losses. He won the Heisman Trophy for college player of the year.

Despite a 2023 season with fewer assists and a campaign of just seven wins and five losses, Williams has not lost his status as the most promising talent of his generation. His strong arm, ability to extend the play when pressured, and his creativity are characteristics that catch the attention of American football experts.

He was witty when he commented on his priorities after being selected first in the draft:

“Knowing the names of my teammates, their families, learning the rules of the game, and getting ready to win some games,” Caleb said.

Strengthening the team around Williams

The quarterback joins a team that has been searching for a reliable starter at the position for years. His predecessor, Justin Fields, showed sparks of brilliance in three seasons in Chicago, particularly with his bursting speed, but lacked the consistency in passing as expected. The franchise sent him to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for conditional picks in the fourth and sixth rounds of the 2025 draft.

The Bears invested heavily in Free Agency to bolster the offense around Caleb Williams, with wide receiver Keenan Allen and running back D'Andre Swift as key reinforcements. The next focus should be on strengthening the offensive line to protect the new quarterback.

The NFL Draft runs through Saturday, April 27. This Thursday, the first round will be held. On Friday, starting at 7 pm (Brasilia time), the second and third rounds take place, and on Saturday, starting at 12 noon, recruitment ends with the fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh rounds.

Legends Eminem and Lyons on stage

As usual, football fans booed Commissioner Goodell when he took the stage to start the event. But with the presence of Detroit-raised rapper Eminem, the boos quickly turned to cheers. The musical also brought in current players from the local Detroit Lions team, as well as Barry Sanders and Calvin Johnson, legends of the franchise.

After Williams, two more quarterbacks were selected back-to-back, marking only the fourth time in draft history that the top three had only players from that position. With the second pick, the Washington Chiefs selected Jayden Daniels, a QB from LSU, and with the third pick, the New England Patriots took Drake May, from North Carolina State. With the fourth pick, the Arizona Cardinals were the first to select a player from another position: wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr., from Ohio State University and son of legend Marvin Harrison Sr.

It was also the first time in draft history that five quarterbacks were selected in the top ten, and that all of the top ten picks were offensive players. The No. 1 defenseman, Edge Laiato Latu, came in just 15th overall, selected by the Indianapolis Colts. Check out all of our top 15 picks below: