In a recent episode of First Take, Hall of Fame wide receiver Michael Irvin dropped a bombshell, suggesting that the Chicago Bears already regret their decision to draft Caleb Williams over Jayden Daniels in the 2024 NFL Draft. Irvin likened the move to the infamous 2017 debacle when the Bears drafted Mitch Trubisky second overall while passing on Patrick Mahomes. This bold claim stirred up conversation, but former NFL wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson quickly countered, highlighting deeper issues within the Bears organization.
Irvin’s Bold Claim: A Repeat of 2017?
According to Michael Irvin, the Bears’ selection of Caleb Williams might turn out to be a mistake on par with their decision to take Mitch Trubisky over Patrick Mahomes in 2017. Williams, the No. 1 overall pick and Heisman Trophy winner, was widely considered the best quarterback in the 2024 draft class. However, Irvin suggests that the Bears should have gone with LSU standout Jayden Daniels instead, arguing that Daniels’ early success has caused Chicago’s front office to second-guess its choice.
Irvin’s argument centers around the idea that Williams, like Trubisky, may not develop into the elite quarterback the Bears hoped for, while Daniels has flashed the potential that could make him the next Mahomes-like steal. But as compelling as this comparison may seem, Irvin’s statement is premature given the short sample size and the challenges any rookie quarterback faces when adjusting to the NFL.
Keyshawn Johnson’s Response: It’s Not Caleb, It’s the Coaching
While Irvin’s take grabbed headlines, Keyshawn Johnson quickly pushed back, calling the analysis flawed and suggesting that the Bears’ real issue lies elsewhere. Johnson emphasized that it’s far too early to determine whether Williams or Daniels will have the better career, and any regret from the Bears likely stems not from the quarterback selection, but from broader organizational failures—starting with the coaching staff.
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Johnson pointed to several glaring issues plaguing the Bears this season. First and foremost, he criticized the Bears’ entire coaching staff for its incompetence, particularly the way it has mishandled Williams’ development. He also highlighted the team’s offensive line struggles and inability to establish a reliable running game. These issues have forced the Bears to rely too heavily on Williams, often requiring him to throw the ball 40+ times per game just to keep the offense afloat.
According to Johnson, it’s unrealistic to expect Williams to thrive in such unfavorable circumstances. No quarterback, especially a rookie, should be tasked with carrying a team on his shoulders week after week without adequate support from his coaching staff or offensive line. Johnson believes that Williams has the talent to succeed, but the Bears’ inability to protect him or establish balance on offense is setting him up for failure.
Did the Bears Choose the Wrong Offensive Coordinator?
In addition to critiquing the Bears’ overall coaching situation, Johnson pointed out that the team’s biggest regret might not be drafting Williams, but rather their choice of offensive coordinator. Johnson suggested that the Bears missed an opportunity by not hiring Kliff Kingsbury, whose quarterback-friendly offensive schemes could have provided a better foundation for Williams to develop.
Instead, the Bears opted for Shane Waldron, who previously served as the offensive coordinator for the Seattle Seahawks. While Waldron had success working with Russell Wilson and later Geno Smith, Johnson questioned whether Waldron’s system is the right fit for Williams. Kingsbury, known for his air-raid offense and creative play-calling, might have been a better match for a dynamic player like Williams. With Waldron calling the shots, the Bears’ offense has struggled to find a rhythm, and it’s fair to wonder if Kingsbury’s presence could have made a significant difference.
The Real Problem: Lack of Support Around Williams
Ultimately, Johnson’s critique highlights a larger issue within the Bears organization—an overall lack of support for their rookie quarterback. While it’s easy to second-guess the decision to draft Williams over Daniels, the truth is that both quarterbacks are immensely talented, and their success will depend largely on the environments they’re placed in.
Right now, Williams is operating behind a porous offensive line that has struggled to protect him. Without a stable run game to lean on, Williams is being forced to drop back and throw far too often, increasing the risk of turnovers and putting immense pressure on a first-year player. These are not conditions that allow for a young quarterback to thrive.
As Johnson correctly pointed out, Williams’ talent is not the issue—it’s the system around him that’s failing. If the Bears are going to see success with Williams under center, they’ll need to address their coaching staff, improve the offensive line, and find a way to establish a consistent running game. Until those changes are made, it’s unfair to label Williams a mistake.
Too Early to Judge
While Michael Irvin’s comparison between Williams and Daniels may grab attention, it’s important to remember that rookie quarterbacks take time to develop, and their success is often tied to their surroundings. Keyshawn Johnson’s rebuttal underscores this, pointing out that the Bears’ coaching staff and lack of offensive balance are the real issues.
Before jumping to conclusions about Williams’ future, the Bears need to focus on giving him the support he needs to succeed. And as Johnson suggested, their real regret might not be about Williams vs. Daniels, but rather their failure to build the right structure around their talented young quarterback.
