USC quarterback Caleb Williams is likely going No. 1 overall in the 2024 NFL draft. The Chicago Bears hold the No. 1 overall pick and have another quarterback decision to make before they get to April.
Will the Bears trade rising fourth-year starter Justin Fields? If so, that paves the way for Chicago to select Williams, Jayden Daniels (LSU), or Drake Maye (UNC).
Williams arrived at the 2024 NFL combine on Wednesday, where he will meet individually with teams but not throw or go through workouts. Maye and Daniels plan to follow his lead, participating in interviews with teams but not working out or throwing—all plan to throw at their pro days on campus.
Daniels had a formal meeting with the Commanders on Wednesday, as did Williams.
*News* we knew would happen and now is happening: The Commanders are expected to meet with USC QB Caleb Williams today, per source.
The 2022 Heisman winner, D.C. area native, and presumptive No. 1 overall pick in April’s NFL draft is in Indy but not working out at the Combine.
— Ben Standig (@BenStandig) February 28, 2024
Maye will also meet with Washington this week.
As for Williams, he hasn’t spoken publicly since declaring for the draft last month. In preparation for the combine, he chatted with Pete Thamel of ESPN, discussing playing for the Commanders and Bears.
“If I get drafted by the Bears, I’ll be excited,” he said. “If they trade the pick, and I get drafted by someone else, I’m just as excited. Speaking about Chicago, they have a talented team, a talented offense and defense. For anyone to be in that situation, I think they’d be excited.”
Williams also wanted to dispel the notion that he’d request a trade.
“I’m not pushing any agenda,” Williams said. “At the end of the day, the Bears have the last say. Regardless of how I feel, I’m not pushing an agenda of, ‘Yeah, I want to go. Or no, I don’t want to go.’ I’m excited for whatever comes.”
He’s right. The Bears hold all the cards. It’s widely assumed that Williams is No. 1 on Chicago’s board, but it’s possible the Bears could also like Maye or Daniels. If true, Chicago could move down a spot and sell the pick to the Commanders.
So, what would Williams think of playing for his hometown team?
“It’d be really cool because it’s so familiar,” he said. “There’s a time and place for everything. My job and my hobby is being at the facility or on the field, or watching film. Or relaxing and prepping for the next day or game.”
Nothing to really glean from Williams’ comments about Washington. There’s been speculation about his preference to play for the Commanders and for offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury. Williams spent last season with Kingsbury at USC, and the two are close.
But until the draft, everything remains speculation.