LOS ANGELES (AP) — The primary individual Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams greeted when he stepped onto the sector for his professional day Wednesday was huge receiver Keenan Allen, newly acquired by the Chicago Bears.
Allen wasn’t the one Bears consultant in attendance, with head coach Matt Eberflus and basic supervisor Ryan Poles additionally trying on.
The Bears have the No. 1 general choose in subsequent month’s NFL draft and Williams gave them loads of causes he could possibly be that choice over the course of a 25-minute session, throwing passes to former Trojans teammates earlier than concluding with a pooch punt.
“We had a bunch of groups right here, I believe they stated all 32,” Williams stated. “However to have that funding that they’re presumably gonna make, to have the GM and the top coach right here to look at me … To have them right here and assist me could be very cool.”
The indicators linking Williams and the Bears have intensified over the previous week. They traded quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday, creating a gap for the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner to probably develop into their new starter.
Chicago additionally obtained Allen in a commerce from the Los Angeles Chargers on Thursday. Not solely does he signify a powerful choice within the passing recreation for a rookie quarterback, Williams is pals with the 11-year veteran.
“I’ve identified Keenan for most likely a yr now, I’ve frolicked with him a number of instances,” Williams stated. “And so to have him right here and for me to presumably be going to the identical staff as him now, it’s thrilling. … To presumably be capable of have him as a large receiver coming off his greatest yr, all of the information which you can acquire from any individual like that, it’s nice.”
The ties between Williams and the Bears are solely prone to develop. Williams stated he met with Eberflus and Poles over the previous two days, and a pre-draft go to is probably going the subsequent step.
Regardless of hypothesis that Williams might attempt to maneuver himself to a different staff, he stated the current contact wasn’t concerning the Bears having to promote themselves as a fascinating vacation spot.
“They’re attempting to see if I’m the proper match to be first choose as QB and presumably be the face of the franchise,” Williams stated. “They’re attempting to determine if that is the man they need to make investments on a regular basis, vitality, effort and cash into, which is clearly necessary on this scenario. So it was nice and simply constructing relationships.”
The on-field part was the main target at Allyson Felix Area at Loker Observe Stadium, with Williams electing to not take part in particular person drills and solely throwing. He confirmed good mechanics however did overthrow huge receivers Brenden Rice and Tahj Washington on two deep balls.
Rice, the son of NFL legend Jerry Rice, additionally got here up with a powerful catch by stretching out to seize a excessive slant from Williams.
“Man, he was bombing away,” Rice stated of his quarterback the previous two seasons.
Williams was principally happy with how the morning went, whereas keeping track of what’s coming subsequent.
“I wished to return right here and placed on a present,” Williams stated. “It’s solely about 30 days out till I’m presumably picked, so been engaged on really making ready for an precise season and possibly not draft day or something like that.”
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