Former NFL RB shares harsh criticism of QB Caleb Williams, goes to bat for Bears' Justin Fields

The growing consensus says the Chicago Bears should use the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft on talented USC quarterback Caleb Williams, but former running back Merril Hoge believes they should think twice.

In a recent interview with NBC Sports Chicago, Hoge shared a harsh opinion of Williams' game. While admitting to being only halfway through scouting the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, the former Pittsburgh Steeler concluded that Williams is not "special." 

"He is not something unique like a Patrick Mahomes," Hoge said. "And I hope the Bears don't think, 'Let's try to make up for our mistake when we passed on the Patrick Mahomes and go get the Patrick Mahomes.' The kid is not Patrick Mahomes - he ain't even remotely close to that."

There are a number of talented quarterbacks in this year's draft, including North Carolina's Drake Maye and LSU's Jayden Daniels, who won the 2023 Heisman Trophy. Both are expected to hear their names called among the top 10, though, for many, Williams is the top choice for the Bears. 

A standout for the Trojans, Williams left USC with a bang, recording 3,633 passing yards and 41 total touchdowns in his final collegiate season. 

ESPN analyst and former QB Dan Orlovsky recently said he'd "lean" on Williams being the pick a No. 1, adding that the Bears could then deal Justin Fields in a trade for valuable assets. 

Hoge also commented on Fields, believing the Bears haven't treated him fairly. He implied that the team set its QB up for failure in Chicago, given that Fields has played under two different offensive coordinators, Bill Lazor (2021) and Luke Getsy (2022-2023), over his first three seasons in the league. 

"There's no possible way you can learn about your guy when you do that, it's the worst thing that can happen to any player, especially a quarterback," Hoge said.

Regarding the No. 1 overall pick, the Bears haven't given anything away as far as who might be atop the team's draft board and a lot can change between now and April. Whether they select Williams or stand pat with Fields, it's a franchise-altering decision they have to get right if they hope to climb out of the NFC North basement any time soon.