Caleb Williams Takes Unconventional Approach to NFL Medical Evaluations
Caleb Williams, the star quarterback from USC, has made a unique decision regarding his participation in medical evaluations at the NFL scouting combine. While he will not be taking part in the combine evaluations, Williams has clarified that he will undergo medical evaluations with teams individually during his visits in the coming weeks leading up to the NFL Draft. This decision, along with his choice to decline throwing at the combine, sets him apart from other players. However, Williams, who is highly likely to be drafted within the top two picks and is currently favored to go first overall by BetMGM, explained his reasoning behind this unconventional approach.
Williams stated, “Not 32 teams can draft me. There is only one of me. So the teams that I go to for my visit, those teams will have the medical and that’ll be it.” He believes that by limiting the number of teams he undergoes medical evaluations with, he can maintain a higher level of trust and privacy regarding his medical information.
In today’s social media-driven world, leaks and reports are common, some of which can be detrimental to a player’s reputation or privacy. Williams’ decision to only share his medical information with teams he visits individually helps protect his privacy and ensures that the information remains confidential. This departure from the traditional approach to NFL medical evaluations may set a new trend among players in similar positions.
While it is too early to determine whether this decision will become a widespread trend, it remains uncertain whether it will benefit or hinder teams in their evaluation of quarterbacks. One NFL front-office source stated that they did not see it as an advantage or disadvantage for any single team. However, they did express concern about the increasing number of players opting out of certain aspects of the evaluation process and how that might impact the league.
Despite the potential implications for teams, Williams is primarily focused on what is best for him. He stated, “I tend to like to create history and rewrite history. I don’t compare myself to the other guys that are there or have been there. I think I’m my own player.” Williams is confident in his abilities and believes that his on-field performance speaks for itself.
In his collegiate career at Oklahoma and USC, Williams has achieved impressive statistics, completing 66.9% of his pass attempts for 10,092 yards, 93 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. During his 2022 Heisman Trophy campaign, he threw for 42 touchdowns with only five interceptions. These accomplishments have led to him being the favorite to be the first overall pick in the 2024 draft, according to BetMGM.
Despite not participating in the combine throwing workout, Williams’ hype remains high. He and his family believe that his performance in actual games is a better representation of his skills as a competitor. Williams has already interviewed with several teams, including the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, and New England Patriots. The Commanders showed particular interest, bringing in more people, including team owner Josh Harris. Williams praised the Bears for their ability to win seven games despite holding the first overall pick, indicating that he would be open to being drafted by them.
Williams is confident in his abilities and expects to be the first overall pick. He stated, “I don’t think I’m not going to be No. 1. I put in all the hard work. All of the time, effort, energy into being that. I don’t think of a Plan B. That’s kind of how I do things in my life. I don’t think of a Plan B. Stay on Plan A and then when things don’t work out find a way to make Plan A work.”
Williams’ decision to keep his medical information private and visit teams individually showcases his determination and confidence in his abilities. He remains focused on his goal of being drafted first overall and is eager to find a team that shares his desire to win. As the draft approaches, all eyes will be on Williams to see if his unconventional approach pays off and if he can live up to the high expectations set for him.