Former Washington Commanders quarterback Robert Griffin III has always had a knack for reading the room, and when it came to Caleb Williams landing in Chicago, he says he saw it coming from miles away. While some in the football world clung to the possibility of Justin Fields holding on to the starting job, RGIII knew the writing was on the wall. As a former Heisman Trophy winner himself and a first-round pick who understands the weight of franchise expectations, Griffin recognized the signs of a rebuild centered around a generational quarterback talent. And with the Chicago Bears holding the No. 1 overall pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, the team’s decision was never much of a mystery to him.
For months leading up to the draft, the buzz around Caleb Williams was deafening. The USC star had been pegged as the presumptive top pick for over a year, showcasing elite arm talent, mobility, and the kind of playmaking instincts that reminded some scouts of Patrick Mahomes. But even as Williams continued to put up gaudy numbers and dazzling highlights, there were lingering questions about the Bears’ commitment to Justin Fields. A former first-round pick himself, Fields had shown flashes of brilliance in Chicago but had never fully silenced the doubters. His record as a starter, turnover issues, and inconsistent development under multiple coaching staffs created enough hesitation for the Bears’ front office to ultimately reset the quarterback clock.
Griffin, now an ESPN analyst, wasn’t among those caught off guard by the shift. “You don’t pass up a Caleb Williams,” he said during a post-draft segment. “You just don’t. I’ve been in that position before, I know what it feels like to have the hopes of a franchise placed on your shoulders. But I also know what it looks like when an organization is ready to move on and start fresh. This was that moment for Chicago. It was clear to me a long time ago that Caleb was their guy.”
According to Griffin, the signs were all there. From Bears GM Ryan Poles attending multiple USC games in person, to the team’s calculated moves in free agency to build a more QB-friendly environment, it all pointed toward one direction. The acquisition of wide receiver Keenan Allen, combined with the presence of DJ Moore and a rebuilt offensive line, indicated a clear desire to give a rookie quarterback every chance to succeed. These weren’t the kind of moves a team makes if it’s committed to a long-term project with an incumbent signal-caller who’s struggled to stay consistent. These were win-now moves—decisions made with the belief that their next quarterback would be ready to lead sooner rather than later.
Griffin also spoke about the unique pressure that comes with being drafted No. 1 overall. As someone who experienced it firsthand when Washington selected him in 2012, he emphasized the importance of organizational alignment. “When you take a quarterback No. 1, you’re not just betting on the player,” Griffin said. “You’re betting on your coaching staff, your culture, your infrastructure. That’s what I’m looking for with Chicago right now. Caleb can be a superstar, but only if the Bears support him the right way.”