Caleb Williams — NFL Mock Draft Roundup 1.0
Leading up to the 2024 NFL Draft, we will track where USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams appears in the latest NFL mock drafts.
Caleb Williams NFL Mock Drafts
Here are some of the latest mock drafts in which Williams has appeared:
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
We've seen Justin Fields continue to improve, but I still believe GM Ryan Poles' decision at No. 1 overall will be an easy one. The Bears select Williams, the most talented quarterback in the class.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
Matt Eberflus was a dead man walking in November, but an unforeseeable 5-3 finish saved his skin. The way the season ended gives hope for the future, but Eberflus hasn't yet done enough to suggest he'll get the Bears back to the playoffs. OC, Luke Getsy, was not so fortunate and the search is underway for his successor. Greg Roman, Shane Waldron, and Thomas Brown are amongst those who have already interviewed. The big question for the new OC is who will be their quarterback. Justin Fields can be a franchise QB, but the chance to select a generational talent like Caleb Williams doesn't come along every day.
Ryan Poles should not hesitate in the decision to draft Williams. However, there's alway a risk with any selection. Firstly, Williams may be 'picky' with which teams he wants to play for. I can't see the USC prospect refusing a chance to play in one of the greatest cities in the world for one of the NFL's most legendary franchises. This is a team with massive potential and Williams should be enthused by the chance to make the Bears great again. Williams talent is undeniable, but he's not the finished product yet. There may be some growing pains, but he could develop to be the most dynamic QB since Mahomes.
Ryan Poles should not hesitate in the decision to draft Williams. However, there's alway a risk with any selection. Firstly, Williams may be 'picky' with which teams he wants to play for. I can't see the USC prospect refusing a chance to play in one of the greatest cities in the world for one of the NFL's most legendary franchises. This is a team with massive potential and Williams should be enthused by the chance to make the Bears great again. Williams talent is undeniable, but he's not the finished product yet. There may be some growing pains, but he could develop to be the most dynamic QB since Mahomes.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
When Chicago fired its offensive coordinator, it soothed any doubt that the Bears are taking a quarterback No. 1 overall. Caleb Williams is the choice as the franchise continues to stack young talent.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
The Bears don't make things difficult. They pick Williams to get all of his arm talent, mobility, and creativity as a playmaker.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
The Bears move on from Justin Fields and land their quarterback of the future in Caleb Williams.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
The Bears' quarterback situation will be a hot topic as we wait for general manager Ryan Poles to reveal his cards. I don't know what he'll do, but I can tell you what other NFL teams believe he'll do: trade Justin Fields and draft a quarterback at No. 1. This is as much a financial decision as it is a football decision.
Williams isn't a perfect prospect, by any means, but he is the favorite for No. 1 because of his playmaking instincts. He needs to be more consistent, but his poise and creativity are what make him special.
Williams isn't a perfect prospect, by any means, but he is the favorite for No. 1 because of his playmaking instincts. He needs to be more consistent, but his poise and creativity are what make him special.
#2 overall, Washington Commanders
Twelve years after taking Robert Griffin III with the second overall selection, Washington keeps Caleb Williams home (attended Gonzaga College High School in DC) to be the face of the franchise. It's a massive draft for Washington this spring (six picks within the top 105 selections) and I don't expect newly-minted exec Adam Peters to get cute.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
This pick assumes the role of the Chicago Bears' general manager. That means we're moving on from Justin Fields and making Caleb Williams the face of the franchise.
Williams' high-level play rivals that of the best in the NFL. He immediately upgrades the Bears' offense, and his pure arm talent buys favor from the fanbase. Williams can squeeze a throw into any window and elevates the talent around him.
Williams' high-level play rivals that of the best in the NFL. He immediately upgrades the Bears' offense, and his pure arm talent buys favor from the fanbase. Williams can squeeze a throw into any window and elevates the talent around him.
San Diego Union-Tribune - Brown
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
I'm fairly confident Williams will be the first overall pick barring some unforeseen revelations during the draft process. I'm not so certain the Bears will be the team selecting the former Heisman winner. Bears general manager Ryan Poles could continue to build around Justin Fields by drafting Marvin Harrison Jr. (a generational talent) or trading this pick for a king's ransom. Williams is special off-platform and will likely become Trojans coach Lincoln Riley's third quarterback to win the Heisman Trophy and go first overall, joining Kyler Murray and Baker Mayfield.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
The Chicago Bears have a very difficult decision on their hands with Justin Fields, but look for them to lean into taking a quarterback at No. 1. Williams has too much upside to pass on, and his play-making ability as a passer is precisely what the Bears need to go to the next level.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
While it remains a mystery if the Bears move forward with Justin Fields as their quarterback, whoever is under center will officially be working with a new offensive staff.
If I had to make a prediction, they ultimately move Fields for Day 2 compensation and Ryan Poles takes his guy with the top pick in the draft. While his final college season didn't go as expected, there's no denying Williams' special arm and playmaking ability.
If I had to make a prediction, they ultimately move Fields for Day 2 compensation and Ryan Poles takes his guy with the top pick in the draft. While his final college season didn't go as expected, there's no denying Williams' special arm and playmaking ability.
#1 overall, Atlanta Falcons
Chicago hasn't made a decision yet on Justin Fields. If the Bears decide to move on, this pick will be for a quarterback.
At the same time, the Bears' trade last March with Carolina again puts general manager Ryan Poles in a situation in which he can unload No. 1 for a haul, further build around (or kick the can on) Fields and really charge up an already impressive young roster.
Of all the QB-needy teams, Atlanta's roster is the most ready to win. Now, add a new coach and a new face of the franchise. Williams next to running back Bijan Robinson, in an offense with tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London, might sell a ticket or two.
At the same time, the Bears' trade last March with Carolina again puts general manager Ryan Poles in a situation in which he can unload No. 1 for a haul, further build around (or kick the can on) Fields and really charge up an already impressive young roster.
Of all the QB-needy teams, Atlanta's roster is the most ready to win. Now, add a new coach and a new face of the franchise. Williams next to running back Bijan Robinson, in an offense with tight end Kyle Pitts and wide receiver Drake London, might sell a ticket or two.
#2 overall, Washington Commanders
Things are bad in Washington, and while the Commanders would really benefit from adding a franchise tackle here, their quarterback situation is untenable. Their best quarterback, Jacoby Brissett, is a pending free agent. Their 2023 starter, Sam Howell, was a disaster.
Now a fresh head coach gets to take advantage of one of the more promising resets in the NFL and mold an offense in his image. Williams isn't without his flaws, but he's an explosive playmaker who can thrive off-book or execute an early game script with aplomb.
Now a fresh head coach gets to take advantage of one of the more promising resets in the NFL and mold an offense in his image. Williams isn't without his flaws, but he's an explosive playmaker who can thrive off-book or execute an early game script with aplomb.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
After a disappointing finish to the season, the Justin Fields era in Chicago might officially come to a close this offseason. The Bears have to decide whether they want to trade Fields or the No. 1 pick, but in the end, passing on a franchise QB for a second consecutive year -- especially when Fields hasn't done enough to cement his spot -- wouldn't be logical. General manager Ryan Poles could draft a signal-caller he can tie to his tenure.
Williams remains my QB1 and No. 2 overall prospect, with terrific arm talent, accuracy and creativity under center. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner threw 72 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions over the past two seasons.
Williams remains my QB1 and No. 2 overall prospect, with terrific arm talent, accuracy and creativity under center. The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner threw 72 touchdown passes and 10 interceptions over the past two seasons.
#1 overall, Chicago Bears
I'm keeping Caleb in the top spot for now. The QB analysis over the next four months will be thrilling, frustrating and informative. To be clear, I think the Bears should absolutely draft a QB and trade Justin Fields.
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