Chicago Bears' NFL Draft First-Round Priorities: Protect Quarterback Caleb Williams

Chicago Bears rookie quarterback Caleb Williams was sacked an NFL-high 68 times this season. New Chicago coach Ben Johnson has the chance to maximize Williams' potential but will need to add offensive linemen to help protect the former USC Trojans star.

Chicago general Manager Ryan Poles and the Bears are locked into the No. 10 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. An exciting option would be LSU offensive tackle Will Campbell.

Jan 5, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) during the game against the Chicago Bears at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images

Campbell is 6-foot-6, 323 pounds and gave up just two sacks in more than 524 pass-block snaps for the Tigers this season. Campbell is also versatile, meaning he can replace Braxton Jones at left tackle or start at guard. A three-year starter and two-time team captain, Campbell is a former 4-star recruit from the 2022 class. Campbell made Louisiana history as the first offensive lineman to be named the team's top playmaker and awarded the number seven.

Campbell has been linked to the Bears in multiple NFL mock drafts including Mel Kiper's recent mock.

Sep 14, 2024; Columbia, South Carolina, USA; LSU Tigers offensive tackle Will Campbell (66) warms up before a game against the South Carolina Gamecocks at Williams-Brice Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Scott Kinser-Imagn Images | Scott Kinser-Imagn Images

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There is a breath of fresh air in Chicago as the franchise welcomes new coach Johnson, widely considered a brilliant offensive mind. Johnson helped the Lions scored 29 points per game since 2022, the most in the NFL over those three years.

"Insanely excited," Williams said of his reaction when he heard Johnson was his head coach. "I was driving on the highway and - I don't know if it was safe or not - but I gave out a loud yell and scream of just excitement. It brings a bunch of clarity to the offseason."

Williams has a clear goal in year two with the Bears with Johnson at the helm.

" Score, score, an insane amount of points," Williams said. "I think we have the same mindset... Sportsmanship is at the end of the game when you shake hands and be respectful in those ways. But when you're on the football field, you want the other teams to feel as if you embarrassed them."

"I think a full collective desire brand of football is what we're aspiring to go for and get. And really excited about that opportunity," Williams continued.

Jan 22, 2025; Lake Forest, IL, USA; Chicago Bears head coach Ben Johnson answers questions during a introductory press conference at PNC Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images | David Banks-Imagn Images

Williams set the Chicago rookie record with 3,541 passing yards in 2024. Starting in all 17 games, Williams finished with 20 touchdowns to only six interceptions, with a completion percentage of 62.5 percent.

The Bears finished with a 5-12 record and desperately need to address their offensive line play. In 2024, Chicago's offensive line was 24th out of 32 teams, according to Pro Football Focus. Tackle Darnell Wright is the only starter from last year guaranteed to return in Chicago.

Campbell would be a literal massive addition for the Bears to reach their goals.

The 2025 NFL Draft will take place in Green Bay, inside and around iconic Lambeau Field - the home of the Green Bay Packers - on April 26, 2025.

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