Bears veteran shares warning for Caleb Williams ahead of NFL Draft

Chicago Bears cornerback Jaylon Johnson shared a warning for USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams roughly one month before the Bears likely make Williams the first pick of the 2024 NFL Draft. 

"You just humble your stuff coming into the building," Johnson said about Williams during an appearance on the FanDuel TV "Up & Adams" program, per Matt Ehalt of the New York Post. "You can’t bring that Hollywood stuff into the building, especially with guys who played this game at a high level for consecutive years in the league. What you did in college, the Hollywood, it’s like 'Nah, you gotta prove yourself. That stuff like that doesn’t matter.'" 

Johnson was one of several Chicago players who made it known at different times of the offseason that they were fans of 2023 Week 1 starting signal-caller Justin Fields. 

It's thought Fields' popularity in the locker room may be a big reason why the Bears recently accepted a conditional 2025 sixth-round draft pick from the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for the 2021 first-round selection even though the upcoming draft doesn't begin until the night of April 25. 

"I think there’s a fine line between trying to prove a point to him but also getting to know him," Johnson continued during his latest comments about Williams. "At the end of the day, we want him to be the absolute best he can be. That’s what we’re bringing him in for, to win games. Truly just learning who he is as a person and learning him deeper than just all the Hollywood stuff you see, but actually trying to learn and get to know him and then knowing from there what pushes him."

Earlier this month, free-agent offensive tackle and three-time Pro Bowl selection Taylor Lewan raised eyebrows when he said he "did not get a good vibe from Caleb Williams throughout the combine process." 

While Williams did not complete any medical evaluations in Indianapolis, it's assumed his talent and game film make him impossible for the Bears to pass on at pick No. 1. 

"You kinda hear all of the comparisons, the 'generational talent' and all that being thrown around," Johnson added about Williams. "So I think, for me, just excited on that note of it...Just being patient with his progress, being patient with how he comes in and the mistakes he’s gonna make and the plays that he’s gonna make. He’s a very talented guy. He definitely do some things with his feet. He has plenty of arm talent. I feel like there’s not a throw that he can’t make."

Williams may be special, but it sounds like his future teammates are preparing to give him some "welcome to the NFL, rookie" moments during summer workouts.