With his first-round NFL Draft selection, Caleb Williams will start as quarterback for the Chicago Bears. Ryan Poles, general manager, eliminated all opportunities for rivalry.
That could have been done on purpose.
After last season ended, there was a lot of discussion about what the Bears might do with the first overall pick. While still a member of the team, Justin Fields displayed glimpses of his ability in the final moments. Wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. was and still is regarded as exceptional. Rather than select a different quarterback, Chicago may have opted to arm their quarterback.
And then there was a lot of talk about the fight that was going to happen between Fields and Williams after it was evident that Williams was the pick. Is there a quarterback battle between the two that the Bears were going to manage?
After making a statement, Poles sent Fields to Pittsburgh. Williams will make his debut as a rookie.
It was a deliberate statement to eliminate the competition before the Draft. Chicago made it apparent that the soon-to-be number one choice had the support of the entire organization. Anyone who wasn’t on board previously needs to sign on now. Fields’ supporters are forced to back Williams even if they preferred Fields.
The former Oklahoma and USC signal-caller’s reflections on his brief stay in Norman make this particular series of events all the more intriguing.
Despite receiving 21 other offers, Williams, a five-star recruit in the Class of 2021, chose to play for Lincoln Riley at Oklahoma. A five-star 2019 recruit named Spencer Rattler was already a member of the team. His future was a topic of much discussion. He was seen as a lock to go in the top five of the next NFL Draft.
It made no difference. Williams anticipated defeating Rattler for the starter position after committing to the Sooners.
That is not the case. At least initially.
Despite some early setbacks, Rattler started the first six games after being chosen the starter at fall camp. In the end, Riley benched him for Williams right before the Red River Shootout halftime.
Oklahoma lost against Texas 35–17. In the end, the Sooners prevailed 55–48.
History is what’s left.
Williams moved to Southern California after accepting the starting position, which he never gave up. Rattler moved to South Carolina after failing to reclaim his starting position at quarterback.
