In NFL draft news, the Bears choose Caleb Williams with the first overall choice, and offensive players dominate the first round.
Caleb Williams celebrates with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after he was chosen by the Chicago Bears with the No. 1 overall draft pick on Thursday.Jeff Roberson / AP
The Chicago Bears made a stir by selecting Caleb Williams of Southern California as the #1 pick in the NFL draft, which was held in Detroit. Following closely behind, the Washington Commanders signed LSU's Jayden Daniels, while the New England Patriots chose North Carolina's Drake Maye.
Six quarterbacks were selected in the first 12 rounds, including Williams, Daniels, Maye, J.J. McCarthy, Michael Penix Jr., and Bo Nix. A record-breaking 23 offensive players were selected in the first round, a watershed moment in NFL draft history.
Williams, largely regarded as the draft's top prospect, demonstrated his talent with excellent figures last season, including 3,633 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. His Heisman Trophy victory the previous season cemented his place as one of college football's top performers.
The Bears' decision to sign Williams followed a huge transaction prior to the 2023 draft that involved great receiver DJ Moore and numerous draft picks. Williams now joins a rejuvenated Chicago club that has added Keenan Allen and D'Andre Swift.
Meanwhile, the Commanders selected LSU standout Daniels as the second overall pick, after the 6-foot-4 quarterback had an outstanding collegiate football career topped by a Heisman Trophy.
The Patriots' selection of Maye at No. 3 adds a promising prospect with prototypical size and talent, similar to Justin Herbert. Maye received ACC Rookie of the Year and ACC Player of the Year honors during his college career.
However, the draft took an unexpected turn at No. 8, when the Atlanta Falcons startled many by selecting Michael Penix Jr., especially given Kirk Cousins' recent hefty contract. The move caught Cousins and his agent off surprise, exemplifying the volatility of draft-day decisions.
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