Byard sends 3-word message to Bears QB Williams over struggles

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams discovered early on that even the most highly touted prospect in a decade must navigate a steep learning curve in the NFL.

It was veteran safety Kevin Byard and other members of the Bears defense who penned this lesson for their rookie signal-caller on Thursday, May 23.

“We had a good day. I’m not going to sit here and lie about it,” Byard said of the team’s defensive unit, per Courtney Cronin of ESPN. “But to be honest, it was to be expected. You have a returning top-15 and top-10 defense, obviously going up against a young rookie quarterback who is acclimating and learning things.

The two-time All-Pro defensive back, who arrived in Chicago this offseason after eight good seasons with the Tennessee Titans, also shared the message he communicated to Williams following the young quarterback’s struggles.

“I told him something at the end of practice like, ‘Keep it up,’” Byard said. “We will continue to make you better. “And I’m not necessarily saying he had a terrible day, but days like this are going to make you better.

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DJ Moore joined Kevin Byard to provide advice to Bears QB Caleb Williams

The Bears made Williams the No. 1 pick in April and added a Robin to his Batman just eight spots later by drafting wide receiver Rome Odunze as the 9th overall selection.

Odunze enters the receiver room in Chicago as the No. 3 pass catcher on the roster behind DJ Moore and Keenan Allen, the latter of whom the Bears traded for earlier in the spring. The talent level around Williams will only increase the already sky-high expectations for the former USC quarterback and Heisman Trophy winner as he steps straight into the heat within one of the toughest divisions most competitive in the league.

Players like Moore and Allen will have to shoulder the burden of guiding Williams as the preseason continues and the regular season begins. Moore talked about that responsibility and how it manifested itself in practice on Thursday.

“It’s frustrating, but we also know we’re learning a new system,” Moore said, telling Cronin he communicated that with Williams as the offense’s struggles continued in 11-on-11 drills “You have to because our defense can get pretty rowdy, as you all know. Calming everyone in the group and refocusing is the best thing to do.

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Bears roster remains incomplete as offseason work begins

Chicago’s off-season work has only just begun, so overreacting to good or bad performances in practice is not advisable, as both units’ ramp-up to regular-season form risks to be a long process. However, key position groups could still change, particularly on the offensive line and at edge rusher.

The Bears’ two biggest concerns will be protecting Williams during his rookie season and creating disruption for opposing quarterbacks. However, ESPN’s Bill Barnwell predicted Wednesday that Chicago will look for improvements at those spots again in 2025.

“No one should blame the Bears for drafting Williams and Odunze in the top 10 – and (general manager Ryan) Poles could still add players in the coming months – but (no one should be) surprised if we’re sitting here next March counting on Chicago will prioritize offensive linemen and passers in free agency,” Barnwell wrote.