As the anticipation builds for the 2024 NFL Draft, all eyes are on Caleb Williams, the highly touted quarterback prospect projected to be the top pick.
However, excitement was slightly tempered as reports emerged indicating that Williams will be skipping a key component of the NFL Scouting Combine.
As it turns out, Williams will skip the throwing portion of the Scouting Combine – a decision that has stirred a wide range of emotions from football fans.
“USC QB and projected No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is not expected to throw at the Combine,” reported Jordan Schultz of Bleacher Report.
USC QB and projected No. 1 overall pick Caleb Williams is not expected to throw at the Combine, sources tell @BleacherReport. pic.twitter.com/pI4vHV0Pni
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) February 26, 2024
Needless to say, Williams’ decision to skip the throwing portion of the Combine is not uncommon.
Prospects who are expected to be drafted first-overall have made the same exact decision in the past … It’s almost looked upon as a “nothing to gain but everything to lose” type of situation.
While it’s not a foregone conclusion that the Chicago Bears draft Williams with the first-overall pick come April, most expect that will indeed be the case.
What is the @nflnetwork and 13-year #NFL veteran's evaluation of Caleb Williams heading into the #NFLCombine and is not hiring an agent a red flag?#NFL #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/IPjkpGCLUq
— Rich Eisen Show (@RichEisenShow) February 22, 2024
Of course, the Bears have an extremely important decision to make.
Do they draft Williams who is regarded as a generational talent? … Or do they decide to stick with current quarterback Justin Fields?
The entire Bears locker room when Ryan Poles announces he’s trading the #1 overall pick at the combine😎 pic.twitter.com/7QdSJIDzNp
— Justin Fields Fan Club (@JustinFieldsFC) February 22, 2024
If they do decide to stick with Fields, they could command a king’s ransom in exchange for the top pick.
While it’s highly unlikely, it all comes down to what their true feelings are on Fields.
"Justin is well aware he is OUT of Chicago. … The best thing the Bears can do for him is to get him out of there as quickly as possible so he can begin the process of proving them wrong wherever he goes next."
—@espngreeny on Justin Fields unfollowing the Bears on social media pic.twitter.com/vjnFr7Jr03
— Get Up (@GetUpESPN) February 22, 2024
As for Williams, he’s not as perfect of a prospect as what some make him out to be.
It would be naive to think that some teams aren’t a little turned off by some of the red flags that have popped up around Williams.
Caleb Williams is a walking red flag if you ask me. I don’t see how you can take him number 1. Great player, personality just makes it hard for me to be sold on him. #NFL #NFLDraft https://t.co/mCyMsDwQwE
— Tennessee Two-Tone (@TNTwoTone) February 26, 2024
Regardless, the chances remain extremely high that he’s drafted with the top pick – whether that be by the Bears or someone else.
Either way, there are plenty of fans who are disappointed with Williams’ decision to not throw at this week’s Combine.
“All dude does is throw screen passes and expects to be a number 1 pick just cause his receivers bail him out against division 6 level defenses and gets called generational for it. Wouldn’t surprise me if he ends up being the biggest bust in nfl history.”
“Not true. He also cries in his mother’s arms after losing, paints his fingernails and expects a cut of the ownership. He’s one huge soapy bust waiting to happen.”
Not true. He also cries in his mother’s arms after losing, paints his fingernails and expects a cut of the ownership. He’s one huge soapy bust waiting to happen. pic.twitter.com/HXQG7hsyLt
— He Who Dares, Wins (@MattRyanForever) February 26, 2024
“That’s a big deal in terms of the bears making their decision yea he’ll have a pro day to do it sure but that’ll be after the combine and they wanna see what he can do there he has nothing to lose but he would have everything to gain from it idk it’s not good sign imo.”
That’s a big deal in terms of the bears making their decision yea he’ll have a pro day to do it sure but that’ll be after the combine and they wanna see what he can do there he has nothing to lose but he would have everything to gain from it idk it’s not good sign imo
— Nick Rembert (@veNdetta_ICK21) February 26, 2024
“not the best idea. just giving the GMs something else to nitpick.”
not the best idea. just giving the GMs something else to nitpick.
— Tony Toe Tap (@RioIsTrio) February 26, 2024
“What a joke.”
What a joke.
— Glob Dabolina 🐻🍯 (@GlobDabolina) February 26, 2024
“OVERRATED.”
OVERRATED
— Miss Molly (@NIZOLIE) February 26, 2024
— Darren Schaefer (@DarrenSchaefer7) February 26, 2024
What are your thoughts on Williams’ decision?
Again, it’s far from uncommon … There have been several other quarterbacks in his shoes who have made the same exact decision.
Regardless, how do you think he’ll be in the NFL?
Do you believe he’s as “can’t-miss” of a prospect as what some make him out to be???
Caleb Williams does take an extremely long time to throw. He drops back significantly further than most QBs however to mitigate pressure risk. It’s probably a red flag in his game. https://t.co/Zhfn7AahjB
— FNF NFL (@fnfantasyleeg) February 25, 2024