Bears coach Matt Eberflus confirms Caleb Williams as starting quarterback: 'No conversation'

The Chicago Bears took Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the NFL draft, so it was pretty clear who this year's starter would be.

Head coach Matt Eberflus removed any doubts on Friday at the start of the Bears' rookie minicamp.

"No conversation. He's the starter," he told reporters.

Williams won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and holds many USC single-season records, including total yards (4,919 yards), most total touchdowns (52), passing yards (4,537) and touchdown passes (42).

The Bears had traded former starting quarterback Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers before the draft. That cleared the way for eventual pick Williams to start.

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"You can really tell that he's comfortable with himself, in his own skin, and he is who he is. His light comes out from the inside," Eberflus said of Williams. "You can certainly feel that energy.

"He's a one plus one equals three guy. He's an enhancer. He's a guy that brings out the best in people. You can certainly feel that within five minutes of meeting him."

What does the coach expect from Williams?

"Just be where your feet are. Be in that moment. Be in the play," he said. "Execute that play. Turn the page. Go to the next play. That's what the elite guys do, and that's what we expect from him."

Williams, who ended his media availability with "Da Bears," said he's absorbing as much as he can at camp to be ready for the starting role.

"I'm listening more than I'm speaking and talking and I'm taking it one step at the time and being in the moment," he said.