The Chicago Bears have long been one of the NFL’s most storied franchises, but they’ve also been one of the most scrutinized—especially when it comes to quarterback evaluations. After selecting USC superstar Caleb Williams with the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, expectations soared that he would immediately become the face of the franchise. However, in a surprising twist, a recent ranking of the Bears’ top three players excluded Williams entirely, sparking fierce debate among fans, analysts, and former players.
How could a generational talent like Williams—touted as the best QB prospect since Andrew Luck—not crack the top three on his own team? Who were the players ranked ahead of him, and is this a fair assessment or an overreaction to early growing pains?
The Controversial Top 3 Rankings
The rankings in question came from an anonymous Bears staffer’s evaluation, later reported by a prominent Chicago sports outlet. The top three players were:
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Montez Sweat (EDGE)
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DJ Moore (WR)
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Jaylon Johnson (CB)
This list immediately drew backlash, particularly because it omitted not only Williams but also other key contributors like tight end Cole Kmet and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds.
Breaking Down the Top 3
1. Montez Sweat – The Defensive Anchor
There’s no denying Sweat’s impact since arriving in Chicago via a midseason trade with the Washington Commanders in 2023. The Bears’ defense transformed from one of the league’s worst to a respectable unit after his arrival, and Sweat finished the year with a career-high 12.5 sacks (6.0 with Chicago in just nine games). His ability to pressure the quarterback and set the edge against the run makes him the most complete defender on the roster.
Still, ranking him above a potential franchise QB—before Williams has even played a regular-season snap—feels premature. Sweat is undoubtedly elite, but is he more valuable than a quarterback who could define the Bears’ next decade?
2. DJ Moore – The Offensive Centerpiece
Moore was a revelation in 2023, posting career-high numbers (96 receptions, 1,364 yards, 8 TDs) despite inconsistent QB play. His ability to create separation, make contested catches, and produce after the catch makes him one of the NFL’s most underrated receivers.
However, ranking Moore over Williams suggests that the Bears’ staff believes the passing game’s success hinges more on the receiver than the quarterback—a risky take, given that elite QBs elevate their receivers, not the other way around.
3. Jaylon Johnson – The Shutdown Corner
Johnson earned Second-Team All-Pro honors in 2023 and led the Bears’ secondary with four interceptions. His ability to lock down opposing WR1s makes him one of the league’s best corners.
But again, while Johnson is a cornerstone of the defense, ranking him over a No. 1 overall QB pick before he’s taken a snap feels like an overcorrection based on past Bears QB failures (Justin Fields, Mitch Trubisky, etc.).
Why Caleb Williams’ Exclusion Is So Controversial
1. The Weight of Draft Position & Hype
Williams was the consensus top pick for a reason. His combination of arm talent, improvisational skills, and poise under pressure drew comparisons to Patrick Mahomes. While preseason performances shouldn’t be overanalyzed, Williams has shown flashes of brilliance in training camp, making his omission even more puzzling.
2. The Bears’ History of QB Missteps
Chicago’s inability to develop quarterbacks is well-documented. From Rex Grossman to Trubisky to Fields, the Bears have repeatedly failed to find a long-term solution at the game’s most important position. Williams represents their best chance in decades to finally get it right—so why downplay his importance before he even plays?
3. The Modern NFL Is QB-Centric
In today’s NFL, elite quarterbacks are more valuable than elite players at any other position. Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Josh Allen immediately transform their teams into contenders. If Williams lives up to the hype, he’ll be far more impactful than Sweat, Moore, or Johnson—no matter how good they are.
Possible Explanations for the Snub
1. Rookie Hazing & Managing Expectations
Some analysts speculate this could be a deliberate move to keep Williams grounded. The Bears may not want to crown him as their best player before he’s earned it, avoiding the pressure that derailed past prospects.
2. Early Struggles in Camp?
While reports on Williams have been mostly positive, there have been occasional notes about rookie mistakes—holding the ball too long, adjusting to NFL speed, etc. If the Bears’ staff is concerned about his readiness, they may be tempering expectations.
3. A Genuine Belief in the Other Stars
Perhaps this ranking simply reflects how highly the Bears value Sweat, Moore, and Johnson. All three are proven Pro Bowl-caliber players, whereas Williams is still an unknown commodity.
Fan & Analyst Reactions: Divided Opinions
Supporters of the Ranking
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“Caleb hasn’t played a down yet. Let’s see him in real games before calling him a top-three Bear.”
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*”Sweat and Johnson are All-Pros. Moore is a top-10 WR. This isn’t disrespect—it’s reality.”*
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“The Bears are building a complete team, not just relying on a QB. This ranking reflects that.”
Critics of the Ranking
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“If Caleb is as good as advertised, he’s instantly the best player on the team. This is ridiculous.”
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“The Bears are scared of another QB bust, so they’re downplaying him before he even starts.”
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“This feels like an overreaction to Fields’ struggles. Williams is a different caliber of prospect.”
Too Early or a Telling Sign?
While it’s understandable to withhold judgment on Williams until he proves himself in real games, excluding him from the top three entirely feels like an overcorrection. The Bears’ history of QB failures may be influencing their reluctance to anoint him too soon, but if Williams is even close to as good as advertised, he’ll quickly ascend to the top of this list.
For now, the debate rages on. If Williams lights up the league as a rookie, this ranking will look foolish by season’s end. But if he struggles, the Bears’ cautious approach might be validated.
One thing is certain: All eyes will be on Caleb Williams in 2024—whether the Bears rank him in their top three or not.
