With the NFL Draft taking place later this month, the Chicago Bears are on the clock with quarterback Caleb Williams set to be the first overall selection.
While Williams is being touted as a can’t-miss prospect, it’s worth remembering that even the most highly-rated young talent can struggle in the NFL.
Should Williams indeed go first, he will hope to make more of an impact than 2023’s number-one overall pick, Bryce Young.
The Carolina Panthers were first up 12 months ago and Young would find himself parachuted into a tough situation as the team went 2-14 during his 16 starts. But despite a tough rookie year, the Panthers will remain hopeful that they have their franchise quarterback of the future.
One of Young’s predecessors under centre in Carolina is Cam Newton, the 2011 first overall draft pick who took the team to the Super Bowl during his NFL MVP season in 2015.
Newton is therefore well-placed to offer Young advice, and that’s just what he’s done, as he has told the 22-year-old to make sure his voice is heard by his teammates.
“I remember having a brief conversation with him during Super Bowl, I saw him at a party,” Newton told Club Shay Shay. “I think he needs to understand that voicing his opinion is important. Some quarterbacks have that freedom to and some don’t. You ain’t at the age where you can tell us who or what you want, but you have to.
“Every offensive coordinator asks their quarterback this question - Game on the line, 3rd and 4, 3rd and 8, got to have it situation who would you prefer to throw the football to? So game on the line or going into the season, what do you need to be successful?
“And he needs to have those answers for that. Bryce has to be open to doing that. Not doing it publicly, but doing it behind the scenes and say listen, if we get this person in the draft, this is who I want. I need to be protected.”
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