Caleb Williams is going to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft… unless his medical exam does not go well. It is not expected to be an issue, but we usually know by now!
Prospects typically undergo a series of medical testing at the NFL Combine. Williams did not.
He chose to withhold his records from all 32 teams and became the first player in history to do so. Although the logic behind the former Heisman Trophy winner’s decision makes sense, it drew a lot of outside criticism. What is there to hide?! Fair question.
Optics aside, Williams’ lack of participation in Indianapolis could have a major impact on how the Chicago Bears proceed forward at the quarterback position. Not necessarily in the long term, but in the here and now.
By all accounts, the organization is looking to trade Justin Fields and will draft Caleb Williams at No. 1.
However, it might not be willing to do so until it receives a clean bill of health from the USC quarterback during his in-person interview at the team facility after March 20. Even if the Bears are wanting to keep Fields and trade out of the top spot, a proper medical exam would presumably be a prerequisite.
Regardless of how things are going to play out, Chicago is in a tricky position. The front office doesn’t want to miss out on a franchise-changing signal-caller in Williams, but giving up on Fields right as he started to show flashes of his full potential might prove to be the wrong move if another team figures out how to unlock his talent. It’s something of a catch-22.
Williams’ unwillingness to participate in the medical portion of the NFL Combine might delay the process either way. It gives the Bears some time to think while fielding calls about Fields and the top pick.