If Caleb Williams is not drafted first overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, he will be drafted second. The Chicago Bears may choose to pass on the USC quarterback and take a wide receiver, which would send him back home to the DMV to play for the Washington Commanders. A third team may choose to trade up for the top pick pick.
Regardless of what happens at No. 1, barring shocking unforeseen circumstances, Caleb Williams is not slipping past No. 2. He will be a top-two pick.
Thus, the 22-year-old Heisman Trophy winner has all of the leverage and does not need to “prove” anything at the NFL Draft Combine this week.
Williams is not throwing or participating in on-field drills. His only reason to be in Indianapolis is to interview with Chicago, Washington, and other teams that might have the draft capital to try and trade up to the top spot. It is more a formality than anything.
He also spoke to the media on Friday morning. As could be expected, they gathered in mass.
It’s a media circus waiting for USC QB and “Generational Talent” Caleb Williams. #NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/avcaGX0VWS
— Carolina Teague – The Mic Slayer (@CTtheMicSlayer) March 1, 2024
Williams had barely even stepped up to the podium before someone shouted out the first question of the day. Whomever it was chose violence at 9:00 am and bluntly asked if he is afraid to compete.
His face said everything that needed to be said.
After staring blankly for a moment, dumbfounded by the absurdity of the question, Williams handled the response with grace. He explained that the decision not to participate at the Combine was a was made internally after a long discussion with his team, who ultimately did not see a reason. USC will hold its Pro Day on March 20. The Trojans’ quarterback of the last two years will throw then, just not now.
There is zero reason for Williams to participate in Indianapolis.
If he was to go out and light it up, absolutely nothing would change about his draft status. If he was to go out and tank, it could drop him out of the top spot. Probably not — because Williams is pretty locked in at this point — but there is simply no need to run that risk. What’s the point?
No, Caleb Williams is not afraid to compete!