Caleb Williams to meet with Bears on Wednesday at NFL Scouting Combine

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – NOVEMBER 18: Caleb Williams #13 of the USC Trojans looks on prior to a game against the UCLA Bruins at United Airlines Field at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 18, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images)

The Chicago Bears already know Caleb Williams the player. Now, they’ll get an opportunity to get to know Caleb Williams the person.

The Bears have a formal interview scheduled with Williams on Wednesday night at the NFL Scouting Combine, according to CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones.

Williams is also expected to meet with the Washington Commanders, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders, Atlanta Falcons, New York Jets, New York Giants and Minnesota Vikings, per NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.

Williams is the projected No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, and the Bears are sitting with the top selection for the second consecutive year. Unlike last year, it’s going to be harder to trade the pick with a prospect like Williams available to them.

The expectation is Chicago will trade quarterback Justin Fields and select Williams with the first overall pick. But a big part of the evaluation — outside of the performance aspect — is getting to know the person, which the team has stressed throughout the offseason.

Bears coach Matt Eberflus told reporters this year’s meetings will be similar to last year, where the prospects will have the option of putting or darts. They’ll also go through some plays, break down player tape and test recall from players introduced earlier.’

This article originally appeared on Bears Wire: Caleb Williams to meet with Bears on Wednesday at NFL Scouting Combine