Could Caleb Williams replicate C.J. Stroud's historic rookie year? NFL analyst outlines "unrealistic" expectation on Bears QB

Caleb Williams enters his rookie season with immense expectations and hopes pinned on him. However, one analyst has pointed out a core difference between Williams and last season’s Rookie of the Year, C.J. Stroud. Stroud was drafted by the Houston Texans as the second overall pick in 2023, while Williams was the first overall pick in this year's draft by the Chicago Bears.

After Stroud’s explosive arrival at the pro level and his claim to several awards, expectations are that Williams will do the same. However, Dan Orlovsky's appearance on ESPN’s "First Take" burst that bubble. He stated that Stroud had a one-of-a-kind season, which cannot be replicated by any rookie QB:

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“I think he's (Caleb Williams) smart enough to get to where C.J. did, but he doesn't have that baseline foundational starting point.

“So it's unrealistic to think that Caleb is going to step in and hit the ground running the same way that C.J. did because he doesn't have the same foundation, intellect and football wise, the way that CJ did coming out of Ohio State.”

C.J. Stroud registered 23 passing TDs for 4,108 yards and three rushing TDs for 137 yards last season. Hence Orlovsky termed his performance as “one of the best by a rookie QB ever,” further cementing his point.

Caleb Williams has a lot in store for his rookie season

The USC graduate faces the weighty expectations of being the first overall pick, along with settling into a professional life in the “hard-nosed” city of Chicago. It isn't easy but teammates are impressed with his commitment.

However, Caleb Williams can prove the doubters wrong as he lines up to face off against C.J. Stroud in his first outing as the Bears QB. On August 1, the Texans and the Bears are slated to face off at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium in Ohio, as they kick off their preseason practice games.

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