Caleb Williams: 2024 NFL Draft First Overall Pick?
Sean Payton thinks Caleb Williams is so talented that he believes the USC quarterback is going to force the NFL’s hand and create a lottery system. That sentence right there should tell you everything you need to know. Is Williams really a lock to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft? The obvious answer here is probably the right one.
First, let’s assess the competition. I am of the belief that the 2024 NFL Draft is much more talent based than the one this year will be. Because quarterback drives the sport, there’s basically no chance even someone like Marvin Harrison Jr., Brock Bowers, or JT Tuimoloau takes over that number one overall pick spot.
Quarterback wise, who’s the real competition? I do like Quinn Ewers’ chances. I will be the first to admit that. His pure arm talent is disgusting. However, right now he still needs work. More so in the footwork department. Ewers is basically the only guy I’m even willing to make an argument for if he takes a HUGE step forward. Even then, Caleb is still the pick because he trumps him with the athletic traits.
I’m sure some wacko will make the case for Anthony Richardson if he goes back to school and takes a leap. It will be the wrong take but someone will make it, nonetheless.
The 2024 NFL Draft has a chance to be prolific even at the quarterback position. JJ McCarthy is an example of the depth that the draft could offer. I have a lot of sleepers in mind for that draft actually. Still, nobody is close to Caleb.
We’ll save the full evaluation post for when Williams is actually draft eligible. He still hopefully has a lot of games left to play in a USC uniform. The truth of the matter is, this could very well be the greatest quarterback prospect we’ve ever seen. It’s not Josh Allen arm strength but he’s not far off which tells the story. Pure athletic traits are disgusting in a good way. The combination of mobility and arm talent that Williams has just might be unmatched across the league.
The best part of Williams is he’s a freak and constantly does things that you have never seen before. More often than not, that’s going to translate. In this instance, there isn’t really a question. Williams will become a franchise quarterback in the NFL. That’s the floor.
The best part is if Williams does have any flaws, Lincoln Riley is the best mentor in America to have as your collegiate coach. I’m not sure Jalen Hurts has an NFL career without him. Williams is carrying a USC team built primarily through the portal. Wait until how good this team can become a year from now? If anything, we should be talking about if Williams wins the National Title next year. Not if he’s going first in the draft.
