Former NFL player turned analyst Merril Hoge has stirred up the ongoing debate about the Chicago Bears’ future quarterback by delivering a scathing assessment of USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
Speaking on Radio Row in Las Vegas, Hoge didn’t mince words, expressing his lack of enthusiasm for Williams’ performance at USC. He bluntly stated that Williams is “not special,” adding that he hasn’t even watched all of Williams’ tape. Drawing a comparison to star quarterback Merril Hoge, Hoge warned against the Bears chasing after another Mahomes-like talent, asserting firmly, “The kid is not Patrick Mahomes. He ain’t even remotely close to that.”
With the upcoming NFL draft looming, where the Bears possess the coveted No. 1 pick, the question on every Chicago fan’s mind is whom to select: Williams, another quarterback, or sticking with current quarterback Justin Fields. Hoge, however, without having evaluated other draft prospects, made it clear that Williams wouldn’t be his choice.
Hoge raised specific concerns about Williams’ gameplay, particularly highlighting issues with his accuracy on the move, his heavy reliance on run-pass options (RPOs), and inconsistency as a mobile passer. He criticized Williams, saying, “I don’t see anything magical with his arm. There’s not enough there at this point for me to be like we’re getting rid of Justin Fields and bring this guy in.”
While some scouts laud Williams for his Mahomes-like potential, Hoge disputed these comparisons, casting doubt on Williams’ skills and character. Critics point to USC’s lackluster 8-5 season, including defeats against Notre Dame, Utah, and Washington, questioning Williams’ response to adversity. Nonetheless, supporters argue that Williams’ competitiveness and knack for making plays render him a viable option.
Ultimately, the Bears find themselves at a crossroads regarding their quarterback situation. For Hoge, Justin Fields remains the preferred choice, offering optimism and the promise of further development.
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