Projected No. 1 pick Caleb Williams impresses at pro day

Caleb Williams is the runaway favorite to be the No. 1 overall pick, and the former USC quarterback delivered on that promise during his pro day Wednesday in front of Chicago Bears decision-makers.

With a group that included Bears head coach Matt Eberflus and general manager Ryan Poles looking on, the Heisman Trophy winner showed off his arm strength with several picture-perfect deep balls.

Widely considered the best quarterback prospect since Trevor Lawrence, Williams showcased a wide-ranging display of talents, which even included throwing left-handed.

While the NFL world believes Williams' name will be the first one called by commissioner Roger Goodell, the young passer is staying grounded.

"I wouldn't say it's my full expectation," Williams told NFL Network's Steve Wyche, according to Dan Wiederer of the Chicago Tribune. "Obviously, things can happen. Things can change throughout this time.

"I think it's around 33 days, 30 days or so until April 25. A lot can change. You take it day by day. And handle and control what you can control."

Williams' potential new teammate Keenan Allen, whom the Bears acquired in a blockbuster trade Thursday, was also in attendance at USC's pro day.

The Bears signaled their intent to take a quarterback first overall by trading former starter Justin Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers on Saturday.

Williams - who opted against throwing at the NFL Scouting Combine - won the Heisman Trophy in his first campaign at USC in 2022 after throwing for 4,537 yards and 42 touchdowns against five interceptions in 14 appearances.,

While the 22-year-old's production dipped last season (3,633 yards and 30 scores against five picks in 12 games) as the Trojans endured a disappointing campaign, his grip on the top spot in mock drafts - including theScore's latest post-free agency edition - hasn't been challenged.