Standout USC quarterback and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner Caleb Williams is entering the 2024 NFL Draft after a junior season filled with impressive stats and missed opportunities. Once touted as the can’t-miss QB prospect of this upcoming class, it’s no longer a foregone conclusion that he’ll be the first overall selection when the draft clock starts counting down. However, teams won’t want to pass up a signal caller with this much potential.
NFL Draft Profile: USC QB Caleb Williams
Caleb Williams, QB, USC
- Junior
- Age: 22
- Height: 6’1″
- Weight: 215 lbs
- Hometown: Washington, D.C.
College Career Summary:
2021
In 2021, Caleb Williams began his college career as an Oklahoma Sooner and backup to Spencer Rattler, eventually taking the starting job and throwing 21 touchdowns and four interceptions in seven games before transferring to Southern California.
2022
In 2022, Williams captured the Heisman Trophy in his first year as a full-season starter and a USC Trojan, becoming only the fifth sophomore to be awarded college football’s greatest individual accolade. He did so on the back of a record-setting year, throwing for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns, and only five interceptions in 14 games. He also added another 382 yards and 10 touchdowns on the ground.
His second-year campaign dazzled fans and scouts alike, as the 6’1″, 215-pound quarterback showed off his diverse skillset of a strong arm, pinpoint accuracy, and the ability to scramble out of the pocket and make plays on his own.
2023
Much was expected of Caleb Williams in 2023, and the stats would say he made the most out of his junior year. In 12 games, Williams would throw for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, and five interceptions. He also rushed for 121 yards and 11 touchdowns, which was a stark drop in yardage compared to his previous season.
While his team didn’t live up to the lofty expectations set by national pundits, Williams still proved to be a top-3 quarterback in this draft class. Instead of participating in the USC’s Holiday Bowl victory over Louisville, Williams turned his attention to getting ready for the NFL Draft.
He possesses the accuracy and athletic ability all NFL teams look for when scouting quarterbacks in today’s modern game. If he lands with a team that believes in his ability and develops an offensive scheme made to his strengths, his potential is sky-high. However, quarterbacks have had mixed success when not given the proper tools and coaching early on. Still, Caleb Williams can ball and immediately help any team that gives him the right system, weapons, and protection.
Caleb Williams’ Strengths
- Strong arm
- Pinpoint accuracy (67%)
- Reads defenses well
- Good mobility
- Senses pressure and evades sacks
- Playmaking ability
Caleb Williams’ Weaknesses
- Unproven against strong competition
- Inexperienced in a pro-style offense
- Below-average height for QB
- Needs to improve timing on throws when leaving the pocket
NFL Player Comparisons
- Russell Wilson
- Patrick Mahomes
- CJ Stroud
- Josh Allen
Rookie Outlook
My play style comp for Williams has been Russell Wilson. Both Quarterbacks are magicians in getting out of danger and finding ways to make plays. They both scramble and have good enough movement to escape a situation that would negate yards for most quarterbacks.
Both also prefer to play out of structure and outside of the pocket. It would be too long-winded as to why a Patrick Mahomes comp is lazy, but the only similar trait between the two is they can make throws at multiple arm angles. Another comp would be CJ Stroud, as neither were known as big runners while in college. However, both have plenty of ability to use their legs and pick up chunks or yardage.
Fantasy Outlook
I would expect Caleb Williams to have a very similar season to CJ Stroud’s rookie campaign. If he were to go to a team like Chicago or Washington, he would have plenty of offensive skill talent to work with. He has reportedly made it clear that he does not want Chicago to draft him, so look for Washington to trade up to the number one spot.
Kliff Kingsbury has been linked to the Washington Commanders’ offensive coordinator position. Playcalling matters when it comes to projecting fantasy value, and Kingsbury is one of the best offensive minds out there. It also helps that Caleb Williams has a personal relationship with Kingsbury, as the two spent 2023 at USC together.
Williams will go to a pretty bad team and will have to elevate the teammates around him. He was able to do that at USC without a great supporting cast. Williams had Jordan Addison for one year, but has been elevating his team to his level otherwise. There are a lot of recent negative traits that are now being thrown in to describe Williams. It’s easy to pile on, but it’s still safe to say he is most likely the best QB of this class and a good bet to be the first overall pick in the NFL draft.
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