Bears

Bears QB coach Kerry Joseph shared that rookie QB Caleb Williams has been reaching out late at night to ask questions about the playbook, showing his eagerness to learn the offense quickly.

“He texts me, ‘Hey, why are we doing this here? Why are we blocking it like that? Isn’t that his guy to block?‘” Joseph mentioned, noting Williams’ inquisitive nature. “He wants to know those answers. He’s hungry for it, and you love to know that because now he becomes a coach on the field for you. Once he gets it and learns this whole system, he’ll become a coach on the field.”

Adding to this, Bears HC Matt Eberflus emphasized Williams’ strong desire to learn and grow mentally.

“I would say the learning,” Eberflus commented on what impressed him about Williams the most. “Having a beginner’s mindset to be able to learn, absorb, ask questions and just keep learning. That’s what’s been impressive to me. If he does that, he’ll be just fine.”

Lions

Lions WR Jameson Williams closed out the 2023 season on a high note, and with the departure of WR Josh Reynolds, Detroit is looking for him to take on a more prominent role. Lions WR coach Antwaan Randle El discussed Williams’ increased strength and its positive impact on his development.

“One of the biggest things was just his strength,” Randle El noted, highlighting Williams’ improved physical capabilities. “In terms of route running and not getting pushed off the spot. You see that show up more and more, which is going to benefit us as an offense and you can see him taking it to another level.”

“It’s been great just what he was at the end of the year as to where he is now and how he’s gotten there. He’s really worked at it.”

Vikings

With his recent contract extension, Vikings WR Justin Jefferson aims to be a valuable mentor to first-round QB J.J. McCarthy. Jefferson is ready to support McCarthy through challenging times and aid in his development.

“I talked to J.J. as soon as he got drafted. I told him confidence is key, just coming into this league with confidence and being able to have that leadership just right off the bat being a rookie,” Jefferson expressed, highlighting the importance of confidence and leadership. “There’s going to be people to come and help. Of course, I’m going to be that main person to be in his ear and try to teach him and try to prepare him for what we’re about to go through.”

“But I told him this league is tough. It’s not an easy job to come out here and perform at the highest ability, especially as a rookie. But I definitely will be that main person that he can lean on and help throughout the way.”