Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams is expected to be the first overall pick in next month’s NFL Draft.
However, there are many who feel that he isn’t the “generational talent” that some crack him up to be.
Whether you put much stock in it or not, there’s no denying that he does carry a few red flags.
Caleb Williams red flags
His dad asking for equity with whatever team drafts his son.
On field performance against good defenses.
Not doing medical evaluations at the combine which never has been done by a prospect potentially taken at #1.
Not throwing at the combine.
— Average Sports Fan 🐻🍀🟢 (@scottyboiii21) March 4, 2024
After watching this clip of Caleb Williams, I feel like his ego is going to be incredibly hard to coach in the NFL ~ hard pass. pic.twitter.com/7bzJHAILge
— Just Cece 🏈 (@JustCeceSports) March 3, 2024
You can count former Tennessee Titans Pro Bowler Taylor Lewan as one who has his doubts about Williams.
On his Bussin’ With The Boys podcast, Lewan questioned Williams’ strange approach to last week’s NFL Scouting Combine.
While he was hardly the only top quarterback who refused to throw for scouts, Williams ended up doing virtually nothing which some took as a sign of arrogance.
“I did not get a good vibe from Caleb Williams throughout the combine process,” Lewan said. “He essentially came to the combine for the free gear and the interviews.”
“[He was the] only player in combine history not to do a medical review. Didn’t run, didn’t throw. His choosing not to throw was, ‘Hey there’s a lot of film on me, you can watch that in real action.’”
“He’s obviously an extreme talent, but he has this type of ‘I’m better than you’ attitude,” Lewan added. “Now if that’s not the individual he is, he’s more than welcome to come on the bus and explain himself.”
“But what I saw from the short sample size I got of watching a few interviews of him on my way to the combine was, the guy is very full of himself. He’s got some big time yes people in his camp right now that are getting in his ear a little too much.”
Caleb Williams gave off bad ‘vibe’ at NFL combine: Taylor Lewan https://t.co/mhvfiUwaTM pic.twitter.com/qGAQcyNeas
— New York Post (@nypost) March 7, 2024
Williams’ enormous ego has been mentioned thoroughly throughout these past few years.
His strange behavior when things went sideways at USC pulled back the curtain in many ways.
It was his first time dealing with losing, and let’s just say he didn’t handle things the way you would want a franchise quarterback to.
There are also reports that he (through his dad) wants OWNERSHIP stake in whatever team drafts him. (Eye roll.)
🚨REPORT: Caleb Williams' father, Carl, approached agents about receiving an ownership stake from the #NFL team that drafts Caleb.
It is not allowed by the league so the idea has never taken off.
(Via @TheAthletic) pic.twitter.com/xUqGCTrn5b
— MLFootball (@_MLFootball) February 28, 2024
So Caleb Williams dad not only wants to try and fight the CBA on the rookie contracts, but wants Caleb to receive part ownership in whatever team he plays for? He can’t be serious…he’s gonna wreck that kids career before he even has one.
— JStavish (@jcstavish) March 5, 2024
As far as his body of work on the field, he is clearly talented. That goes without saying. There’s a reason why so many people compare him to Patrick Mahomes.
However, some feel his style of play won’t translate perfectly to the NFL. After all, many of his highlight plays are borderline-improvised, almost resembling backyard football.
Obviously, that won’t fly against NFL defenses … But I’m sure Williams knows that and is working to improve his skill-set.
Caleb Williams is just Trey Lance with an ego and a beard 😭😭😭 pic.twitter.com/DRSY9Zdbtx
— Devonta Porter (@devontaporter) October 22, 2023
I’m so sick and tired of the Caleb Williams talk. Guy sucks against the best COLLEGE teams. Stop acting like he’ll magically turn an NFL team around. He sucks and he has a huge ego. He will be one of the biggest busts of all time. Mark my words.
— Alex 🐻⬇️ (@ChiSportsAlex) November 29, 2023
What are your thoughts on Williams?
Do you think he’s a generational talent? … Or do you think he’s overrated as a prospect?
Do you put any stock in Lewan’s comments that he has a bit of an ego problem?
At the end of the day, who will end up being the best quarterback to come this draft???