Caleb Williams is projected to be the No. 1 overall pick in 2024. But the reigning Heisman Trophy winner could forego the NFL Draft as it appears he hasn’t made up his mind about declaring next year.
The USC quarterback was recently interviewed by ESPN’s Pete Thamel and seemed like he is open to remaining in college past 2024. Williams revealed he will leave the decision on ice until the end of the upcoming NCAA season.
“That’s for sure now going to be an in-the-moment decision at the end of the year,” he said. “It’s my third year, and the dream and goal was to go three-and-out. Being around these guys and in college and enjoying it, we’ll have to see at the end of this year.”
Matt Miller, who’s also at ESPN, has suggested that the QB skipping the draft altogether is thought to be possible, especially if Williams doesn’t want to play for the team that ends up with the No. 1 pick.
“Let me just say there are people who think it’s possible (if not probable) he could if the NFL team drafting tops isn’t to his liking,” Miller tweeted.
Hardly A New Phenomenon
Players unwilling to play for franchises with the No.1 pick isn’t a new phenomenon. The likes of John Elway and Eli Manning forced moves away when they went pro, with Elway threatening the Indianapolis Colts with a move to the MLB. He ended up spending his entire career with the Denver Broncos.
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Manning was drafted by the then-San Diego Chargers before a trade to the New York Giants. He also spent his entire career with the team.
That a player could skip the draft doesn’t usually leak this early. But, despite the above, it’s unlikely that Williams will reject the opportunity to go to the NFL at the soonest.
