LAKE FOREST, Ill. — Caleb Williams long has been preparing for this opportunity. 

Through the course of his journey to this point, Williams set out to become the No. 1 overall pick of an NFL Draft and a transcendent franchise quarterback. This isn’t just some checklist – it’s the driving force behind Williams’ personal success.  

Now, Williams has landed in Chicago and is being tasked with achieving his goals on behalf of a Bears franchise that has long sought a franchise quarterback. During an exhaustive scouting process, Ryan Poles and his brass became assured in Williams as the future of their franchise. 

“He wants to be remembered for a very long time,” new teammate Cole Kmet said of Williams. “So, I think he’s ready for this opportunity. He just has the demeanor about him that you have to have, feeling like he can succeed here for sure.” 

Williams’ successes or failures will ultimately define an era of football in Chicago that is now filled with such great hope. He is by far the most important building block for a team deep in talent and high in aspirations. 

Editor’s note: This is the third iteration in an ongoing series exploring the Bears’ most important building blocks. It began with five players in 2022, the first year of Poles’ rebuilding process, and featured 10 last fall as the Bears started to form their identity. Following a transformational offseason, here is the latest list. 

1. QB Caleb Williams (22) 

In conducting a thorough pre-draft scouting process, Poles and the Bears explored each option at quarterback. That included names like Jayden Daniels, J.J. McCarthy, Drake Maye and even the possibility of returning with Justin Fields for a fourth year. But Williams’ makeup and talent defined this decision.  

Williams is a generational-type quarterback prospect who will immediately step in as the Bears’ starting quarterback as a rookie. It means Williams will be leading Chicago through this upcoming season filled with playoff aspirations. 

The No. 1 spot on this list was previously occupied by Fields, the Bears’ three-year starting quarterback whose time with the team came to an end in March. In Fields, Chicago had hopes which never came to fruition. He had the talent and work ethic but simply was unable to put it all together. His processing struggles proved to be a fatal flaw he couldn’t overcome. 

Williams checks every box as the caliber of young quarterback who can be great for the Bears. He is now looking to lead this franchise to sustained success and championships. 

2. DE Montez Sweat (27) 

Just as quarterback is the most important position in football, the role of pursuing the quarterback has great importance too. The Bears have a premier pass rusher in Sweat, who made quite an impact during his first season in Chicago. 

Sweat produced a breakthrough campaign in which he posted 12.5 sacks – including team-leading marks for both the Bears (6.0) and Commanders (6.5). He was selected to the Pro Bowl for the first time in his career. Chicago also locked in Sweat on a four-year, $98.5-million contract extension in early November, just days following a pivotal trade. 

The Bears affectionately have pointed to the “Tez Effect,” a reference to how Sweat has bolstered their entire defense. That unit emerged as one of the NFL’s best late last season with Sweat. Now, this defense believes it can become a Top 5 unit in the league. 

With Sweat locked in, the Bears hope their defense continues to ascend – and makes life difficult for opposing quarterbacks. 

3. WR DJ Moore (27) 

There are going to be many challenges presented for Williams early in his NFL career, and especially as a rookie this season. Having a reliable target will make a major difference. 

Williams will be able to lean on Bears top wide receiver DJ Moore, who enjoyed a career season in 2023 during which he hauled in 96 receptions for 1,364 yards and 8 touchdowns. 

Moore is just 27 years old and has established himself as a dynamic playmaker on offense. After being acquired by the Bears in March of 2022, Moore worked to develop a strong connection with Fields. But with the transition at quarterback this offseason, Williams has already struck up a rapport with Moore. 

Williams and Moore can reveal the best in each other with hopes that connection leads the Bears to a prolific offense. 

4. OT Darnell Wright (22) 

Over these last three offseasons, Poles and his scouting brass have worked to establish a strong offensive line. There have been difficulties at times, but the Bears enter this new season confident in their protection unit. 

The second-year right tackle Wright is the most important player on the offensive line, and one of the most pivotal pieces of this roster. He started all 17 games as a rookie last season, experiencing good moments and learning experiences. But the Bears believe they have a franchise tackle in Wright. 

Wright must make a significant jump during his second season, though the Bears see him trending towards a promising career. 

5. CB Jaylon Johnson (25) 

There was never a doubt to Johnson that he would be great. He just had to prove it. 

That breakthrough season for Johnson came in 2023, a contract year, as he hauled in a career-best four interceptions and established himself as a premier player in this league. Johnson earned his place as the No. 1 cornerback in the NFL, according to Pro Football Focus grades. The Bears rewarded Johnson with a four-year, $76-million contract extension in March. 

Eberflus’ defensive identity preaches the importance of forcing turnovers. That’s the role of a top cover cornerback. Johnson cannot just be a strong matchup for opposing wide receivers. He has to take advantage of opportunities and take the football away. 

After a standout season, Johnson must do it again and again. 

6. DT Gervon Dexter Sr. (22) 

The 3-technique defensive tackle position is considered the engine that drives Eberflus’ defensive identity. That player is the 22-year-old Dexter, who enters his second NFL season set in such a key role. 

Dexter experienced growing pains as a rookie last season, settling into an unfamiliar place as a one-game defensive tackle. At Florida, he played in a two-gap assignment. Dexter had to become comfortable with this task before he could take off. 

The addition of Sweat proved to offer great benefit for Dexter, who suddenly found himself with more one-on-one opportunities to reach the quarterback. Sweat was generating more attention from opposing blocking schemes – whereas the Bears didn’t have a relentless edge rusher before.  

Dexter has become leaner and more athletic this offseason, but he’s still a physical, imposing presence. This could be a breakout season for Dexter in which he emerges as a force for this Bears defense. 

7. WR Rome Odunze (22) 

If all goes according to plan, Odunze will eventually rank second on this list behind only Williams.  

The No. 9 overall pick in the NFL Draft, Odunze was selected to become a go-to target for Williams in the passing game. He was a star at Washington and entered the NFL as a versatile option on offense.  

In time, Odunze can emerge into a leading role for this offense. But as a rookie, he will be another weapon for Williams alongside Moore and six-time Pro Bowl target Keenan Allen.  

Odunze has what it takes to become an elite wide receiver in this league. 

8. RB D’Andre Swift (25)  

Just minutes into the NFL’s open negotiation period back in March, the Bears had struck a three-year, $24-million deal with Swift. There were a number of running backs available on the open market, including Saquon Barkley, Josh Jacobs and Austin Ekeler.  

But Swift proved to be exactly what the Bears were seeking at running back because of his age and skill set. He’s just 25 years old, coming off a career-best season with the Eagles in 2023, rushing for 1,049 yards and five touchdowns. He also has 195 career receptions and eight scores in four seasons. Swift is a multi-dimensional running back. 

With Williams leading as a rookie, the Bears will have to rely on Swift’s talents out of the backfield as a key component of their offense. Shane Waldron’s offense is still a run-first scheme and Swift can reveal the best of this system. 

9. TE Cole Kmet (25) 

Drafted in the second round by the Bears’ previous regime, Kmet has earned his place with Poles’ brass. He signed a four-year, $50-million contract extension last July to secure his place in Chicago’s future. 

Kmet landed this type of security by becoming a reliable player for this offense, both as a steady pass catcher and terrific in-line blocker. He hauled in a career-best 73 receptions for 719 yards and six scores last season. 

Kmet is an important figure for Williams and the Bears’ promising offense. He’s locked in as a building block for this roster. 

10. LG Teven Jenkins (26) 

This is the year Jenkins must prove it all. It’s a contract season and seems to be make-or-break. 

When healthy, Jenkins has been one of the best guards in the NFL. He’s a mauler who excels in run blocking and has continued to improve in his pass blocking sets. But Jenkins hasn’t been healthy enough during his career, playing just 31 of a possible 51 games while being set back by a number of different injuries. 

The Bears would love nothing more than for Jenkins to produce a healthy, powerful showing this season, earning his place with a long-term contract extension.