Conflicting reports surface on Caleb Williams’ development in Chicago Bears OTAs

Wednesday was the first time reporters saw Caleb Williams at practice under new Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson. The stakes were a little higher for Johnson and Williams after a report from ESPN’s Seth Wickersham dropped detailing the problems Williams had with the Bears coaching staff in 2024.

(The Bears reportedly had their issues with some of Williams’ habits during his rookie season.)

Williams didn’t speak to the media, but there is going to be added intrigue on how the quarterback develops in his second year in the league. (And how Johnson and his staff coach the 2023 Heisman Trophy winner.)

Bears beat reporters had mixed reports on Williams’ performance on Wednesday.

Per Zack Pearson of Bear Report, Johnson flipped one drill on its head. The team runs a 6-on-7 drill, where the defense has seven defenders going against six offensive players. The drill makes it harder on the offense.

Caleb Williams looked sharp?

Pearson reports that Williams had “ups and downs” but looked “sharp” overall.

“(Williams) connected with DJ Moore a few times, including two on the left sideline, where he put it only where Moore could get it,” Pearson wrote. “One play Jaylon Johnson jumped the route but there was enough loft on the ball that it floated into Moore’s hands. There were a few times when Williams scrambled because there was no one open down the field.”

Bad practice for the Chicago Bears QB?

Mark Carman of CHGO had the most negative report on Williams, arguing the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft had a bad day.

“Caleb Williams did not have his best day,” Carman posted on X. “Ball came out slow at times, off the mark.”

Top 3 Takeaways from Bears OTA 5-21-25:

1. Ben Johnson is intense. Screamed at Cole Kmet for what appeared to be lining up incorrectly.

2. Caleb Williams did not have his best day. Ball came out slow at times, off the mark.

3. Case Keenum and Tyson Bagent both got #2 reps.

— Mark Carman (@thecarm) May 21, 2025

Carmen’s details are frustrating to read. While Williams blamed the coaching staff for not teaching him what to look for on film, it appears he struggled with basic mechanics on Wednesday.

Johnson showed intensity during the practice by yelling at tight end Cole Kmet for lining up wrong. It’s unclear if Johnson is yelling at his quarterback for using poor technique at practice.

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