Will Anderson Shares Details of Combine Meeting With Bears

While a big part of the NFL Scouting Combine is for teams to measure prospects' athletic ability and see what they're capable of on the field, it also gives them a chance to get acquainted with players off the field. The meetings between players and coaches give both sides a better sense of whether they'd be a good fit for each other based on intangibles like personality, goals, team culture and more.

In that sense, it sounds like Will Anderson Jr. and the Chicago Bears really clicked.

Will Anderson Combine

The Alabama linebacker had nothing but good things to say about the Bears. He was especially impressed by the team culture, which he called "great" and said, "I can tell that they're on to something special."

Chicago certainly hopes so, as this is a pivotal draft for the organization. The Bears own the No. 1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, and what they decide to do with it will likely be a franchise-altering decision. Whether they keep it or trade down, their future is in their hands.

It also says a lot about Chicago's coaching staff that they're able to maintain such a positive atmosphere. Many teams would be discouraged or frustrated after posting the worst record in the NFL, but the Bears seem to view it as an opportunity and believe they're not far off from contending again.

Chicago finished last season with the worst defense in the NFL in terms of points allowed, so the team could definitely use a player like Anderson. Time will tell whether he ends up there or somewhere else, but either way the future looks bright for both sides.