Caleb Williams, the highly anticipated quarterback in the upcoming NFL draft, has made headlines by declining to participate in medical testing at the scouting combine. While other quarterbacks have chosen not to throw, Williams took it a step further by opting out of medical evaluations in Indianapolis. In his press conference on Friday, Williams explained that he and his family made the decision not to partake in these events.
However, Williams assured teams that he would not withhold his medical information from them. Instead, he plans to undergo the necessary medical testing during team interviews. “For the medical stuff, I’ll be doing the medical stuff — just not here in Indy. I’ll be doing it at the team interviews,” Williams stated confidently. He emphasized that while all 32 teams cannot draft him, the teams he visits will have access to his medical records.
As the presumptive No. 1 overall pick, Williams faces the challenge of handling numerous team visits. When asked about his plans for these visits, he expressed his intention to visit a significant number of teams. However, he admitted that he was unsure about the specifics of his visitation schedule, as he had already met with unexpected teams during the scouting combine.
Regarding his decision not to throw at the combine, Williams defended himself by highlighting his extensive experience on the field at both Oklahoma and USC. “I didn’t feel the need to go out and throw,” Williams asserted confidently. He reminded everyone that he had played around 30-something games and encouraged critics to watch his real, live performances to assess his competitiveness.
During his standout 2022 season, Williams showcased his talent by throwing for an impressive 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns, and only five interceptions. Additionally, he contributed 10 rushing touchdowns. In 2023, while playing for the Trojans, Williams continued to impress with 3,633 passing yards, 30 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 11 touchdowns, further solidifying his versatility as a quarterback.
Caleb Williams’ decision to decline medical testing at the scouting combine has sparked intrigue and speculation among NFL teams and fans alike. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Williams as he embarks on his team visits, where he aims to provide teams with the necessary medical information while showcasing his exceptional skills and competitiveness.
