Caleb Williams | USC 6’1” 214 lbs. 11/18/2001 (Age 22)
Caleb Williams was drafted 1st overall by the Chicago Bears, becoming the 1st quarterback and 1st overall player in the 2024 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Completion Percentage | Yards | TDs | INTs | Rushing
Yards |
Rushing
TDs |
| 2021 (FR) | 11 | 64.5% | 1,912 | 21 | 4 | 442 | 6 |
| 2022 (SO) | 14 | 66.6% | 4,537 | 42 | 5 | 382 | 10 |
| 2023 (JR) | 12 | 68.6% | 3,633 | 30 | 5 | 142 | 11 |
Williams enters the NFL Draft as one of the highest-touted quarterback prospects we have ever seen. Many put him in a class with John Elway, Peyton Manning, and Trevor Lawrence as a “can’t miss prospect” who has been mocked as the first overall pick for a VERY long time!
As a freshman at Oklahoma University, Williams beat out Spencer Rattler early in the season. He went on to throw for 1,912 yards, 21 touchdowns, and four interceptions. During the 2021 season, he received Freshman All-American and Honorable Mention All-Big 12 honors. In 2022, Williams decided to join Head Coach Lincoln Riley, and they both went on to USC.
Williams went on to win the Heisman Trophy, as he produced 4,537 passing yards, 383 rushing yards, 52 total touchdowns, and only five interceptions. His 42 passing touchdowns were a USC school record and most in the FBS. Although he took a slight step back in 2023 (3,633 passing yards, 142 rushing yards, 41 total touchdowns, and only five interceptions), Williams still established himself as the top prospect in the 2024 NFL Draft.
FILM
STRENGTHS
Very mature for his age and a natural leader. Despite a shaky offensive line and lack of talent on the outside, he often made his team better with his elite level of play. Highly productive numbers both at Oklahoma (in limited time) and at USC. Possesses elite arm talent. Unique ability to pull off huge plays when it doesn’t seem like they are there. Excels in RPOs, as he can sling it with force and speed to hit his targets before defenders close in on his receivers. Productive both as a deep-ball slinger and a passer over the middle of the field, whether it’s against man coverage or zone. Doesn’t shy away from pressure in the big moment. Superb accuracy. Consistently avoids turnovers, which helped his team stay in most close games. Keeps his eyes up at all times, especially when he scrambles out of the pocket. Has a knack for feeling pressure, as he shows off tremendous escapability and timing. Able to use his legs to scramble out of the pocket and get the first down whenever he needed to. Eye-popping speed for his position.
WEAKNESSES
Lacks the size for a prototypical signal-caller at the pro level. Too many strip sacks, as he too often holds the ball to his side when he’s being brought down. Tends to try and force the big play instead of taking his easier reads in front of him. Can take too long to go through his progressions at times. Needs to lean on throwing with better anticipation. Work in progress under center, as he almost always lined up in the shotgun at the collegiate level.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Williams did not participate in the NFL Combine. Although he threw passes at his USC Pro Day, he decided to skip the athletic testing drills there as well. He showcases solid speed for his position, as he ran a 4.59-second 40-yard dash (91st percentile) unofficially during his high school combine. Williams finished his collegiate career with an 86.5 QBR (91st percentile) and broke out at 19.8 years old (74th percentile). His biggest red flag is his height at 6’1” (17th percentile).
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Excellent
Williams was selected with the 1st overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears.
He comes into a great situation with D.J. Moore, Keenan Allen, and Cole Kmet as his top three pass-catchers. Williams has two serviceable running backs, D’Andre Swift and Khalil Herbert, lining up in his backfield. On top of that, Chicago’s defense is projected as a top-10 unit, which should serve him well, as he should see himself in great scoring opportunities in 2024.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
I have Williams easily as the number one quarterback in this class. As a rookie, Williams instantly becomes a QB1 (top-12) for your dynasty roster(s). A top-12 finish at his position seems like his floor at this point. Don’t be surprised if he finishes as THE QB1 a few times during his career. In Superflex leagues, if you can pair him with a veteran or an already-established quarterback, your team should already be in a great situation for a playoff run. He’s considered the best quarterback prospect we have seen since Andrew Luck. And he should serve your team well in the front as a potential league-winning quarterback for your dynasty team(s).
Williams should go off the board in rookie drafts as the first, second, or possibly third player, depending on your league format. In Superflex, he’s easily the favorite to go first.
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