Bears Trade up to Select Caleb Williams with No. 1 Pick in 2024 NFL Draft
Carolina Receives Bryce Young in Blockbuster Deal
Analysis and Coverage of a Historic Draft Night
Chicago, Ill - In a stunning turn of events, the Chicago Bears have traded up to the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, selecting quarterback Caleb Williams from the University of Southern California. The Bears sent their 2024 first-round pick (No. 2 overall), their 2024 second-round pick (No. 34 overall), and an additional first-round pick in 2025 to the Carolina Panthers for the top selection. The move came as a major surprise, as the Bears were widely expected to select defensive end Jalen Carter with the No. 2 pick. However, the Panthers' willingness to trade down gave the Bears an opportunity to acquire a franchise-changing quarterback. "Caleb Williams is a generational talent," said Bears general manager Ryan Poles. "He has all the tools to be a successful NFL quarterback, and we are excited to bring him to Chicago." Williams, a 6-foot-1, 214-pound quarterback, is considered to be one of the best prospects at his position in recent memory. He won the Heisman Trophy in 2023 after leading the Trojans to a 12-1 record and the Pac-12 Championship. In his three seasons at Southern California, Williams threw for 10,328 yards, 111 touchdowns, and 12 interceptions. He also rushed for 1,108 yards and 22 touchdowns. The Bears' trade for Williams is a clear indication that the team is committed to winning now. The addition of Williams gives the Bears a young, dynamic quarterback who can lead them to the playoffs for the first time since 2018. The Panthers, meanwhile, received a king's ransom for the No. 1 overall pick. They now have two first-round picks in the 2025 NFL Draft, which they can use to build around quarterback Bryce Young, who they selected with the No. 2 overall pick. The trade between the Bears and Panthers is just one of many that took place on a historic night for the NFL Draft. The first round of the draft was full of surprises, with several players being selected ahead of their projected spots. For more analysis and coverage of the 2024 NFL Draft, visit ESPN's DraftCast: https://www.espn.com/nfl/draft/cast
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