USC quarterback Caleb Williams has declared for the 2024 NFL draft, where he’s projected to be the first overall pick.
There’s a good chance he’ll end up with the Chicago Bears, who have the No. 1 selection for the second consecutive year. General manager Ryan Poles has an important decision to make at quarterback this offseason, especially with that top pick at his disposal.
Poles can choose to start over at quarterback with Williams (or Drake Maye or another rookie). Or can decide to stick with Justin Fields and trade the No. 1 selection for an even bigger haul than last year’s, which included wide receiver DJ Moore, right tackle Darnell Wright, cornerback Tyrique Stevenson, the first overall pick in 2024 and a 2025 second-rounder.
Since I was 10, all I ever wanted to do was to play football. The journey would be empty without the people who have supported and loved me. I will Fight On forever and rep Hornsdown4Life. I’m ready to do whatever it takes. I am officially declaring for the NFL Draft.
✌🏽🤘🏽👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/6Ko9cbZ7S5
— Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw) January 15, 2024
Poles admitted during his end-of-year press conference that he’s “open minded” to trading the No. 1 pick for the second straight year, which would likely draw an even bigger haul with Williams, who some consider a “generational talent,” up for grabs.
“I’m wide open to anything,” Poles said. “So if someone wants to call me with an idea, I’m open to it.”
Last year, Poles wasted no time trading the top selection to the Carolina Panthers on March 10 before the start of free agency. Only this time, don’t expect Poles to make a move as early as he did last year (if he does at all).”
“It depends on what factors are in it, but in my mind right now, I’m going to take this all the way to April,” Poles said.
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