Chicago Bears’ Caleb Williams fails to crack ESPN’s top 50 players for 2026 season

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams is entering the 2026 season on a wave of hype. But he still has room to grow before reaching the upper echelon of NFL quarterbacks.

Heading into the upcoming campaign, Williams was ranked No. 62 amongst the top 100 players in the league by ESPN. While he didn’t crack the top 50, those around the quarterback have high hopes for the 2026 season, via Courtney Cronin of ESPN.

“Williams’ first season in Johnson’s offense helped Chicago win its first playoff game in 15 years and generate the second-most explosive plays (127) in the NFL. Year 2 with Johnson is set up to be even better. “He’s taken complete control of what we’re trying to do, and so we’re on the right track,” Johnson said,” Cronin wrote.

Elsewhere in the top 100, tackle Darnell Wright ranked No. 90 while tight end Colston Loveland came in at No. 89. Guard Joe Thuney was Chicago’s highest ranked player at No. 49.

For the Bears to operate at their highest altitude though, they’re relying on Williams. If all goes to plan, he’ll be much higher than No. 62 come 2027.

Chicago Bears relying on Caleb Williams 

In his first season under head coach Ben Johnson, Williams completed 58.1 percent of his passes for 3,942 yards, 27 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He added another 388 yards and three touchdowns on the ground.

There were clear highs to Williams’ game, predominantly his playmaking ability and no-quit attitude in the fourth quarter. The quarterback led the Bears to numerous improbable wins throughout their 2025 campaign. Williams is capable of flipping on a game on its head in a hurry.

At the same time, there are hurdles he still must cross to reach his No. 1 pick potential. Williams’ completion percentage is an obvious starting point. Johnson will want him too get more consistent, rather than relying on Superman throws. If the quarterback handles the little things, his big plays will be even more detrimental to opposing defenses.

Williams and the Bears are well aware of what’s on their plate in 2026. It’s now up to them to prove their NFC North championship in 2025 wasn’t a fluke.

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