As the presumed first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, USC’s Caleb Williams didn’t participate in any athletic or medical testing at the NFL Combine.
We examine why Williams made this decision, and provide insight as to how fast he truly is despite electing not to run the 40-yard dash.
Why Didn’t Caleb Williams Run at the Combine and His Pro Day?
Williams is known to be a more reserved person. He didn’t do medical work with the 32 NFL teams.
Some speculated that because Williams wouldn’t fall far in the draft, the need to work out in front of multiple teams became unnecessary.
“So for the medical stuff, I’ll be doing the medical stuff, just not here in Indy,” Williams said via Sports Illustrated’s Richard Johnson. “I’ll be doing that at [the individual team visits after the Combine]. You know, not 32 teams can draft me. There’s only one of me. And so the teams that I go to for my visit, you know, those teams will have the medical, and that’ll be it. … I didn’t feel the need to go out and throw. I played around 30-some games, I believe. Go ahead and watch real live ball with me and see how I am as a competitor.”
Caleb Williams ends his Pro Day with a 70 yard bomb and a punt. Wow! 👀
pic.twitter.com/ocAGQ6kVkm— Ben Devine (@Chicago_NFL) March 20, 2024
However, Williams did participate in a 50-throw workout for teams at USC’s Pro Day in March and, as Commanders senior writer Zach Selby said, “Williams’ poise, arm strength and accuracy added even more credence to the ever-growing belief that the Bears will take him with their pick.”
MORE: Fastest QB 40-Yard Dash Times in NFL Combine History
How Fast Is Williams?
While Williams didn’t run the 40-yard dash at the combine, he is reported to have ran a 4.59 40-yard dash by NFL Draft Buzz. He rushed 289 times for 966 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns in his collegiate career.
How Old Is Williams?
Williams is 22 years old and was born Nov. 18, 2001. He was a consensus five-star recruit by most outlets out of high school and was the top quarterback of the 2021 class.
Williams’ Latest Scouting Report
Pro Football Network’s Ian Cummings ranks Williams as the No. 2 overall prospect in this year’s draft.
Williams had a prolific career between his freshman season at Oklahoma and two seasons at USC, with 10,082 passing yards, 93 passing touchdowns, and 14 interceptions.
KEEP READING: Ian Cummings’ Full Scouting Report of Caleb Williams
“Not only is Williams a fluid athlete with impressive change of direction, play strength, and functional speed, but he has uncommon instincts as a creator in space, and his effortless off-platform throwing ability makes him a two-phase threat from snap to whistle,” Cummings said.
“Williams creates at a level rarely seen, but he also has the traits to win as a passer, both from within and outside the pocket. He’s a good processor who has great leverage IQ and pressure sense. And unlike many creators, he doesn’t bail from the pocket to a fault. He knows how to manage his spacing and manipulate throwing windows under center.
“Williams’ combination of creation ability and hyper-elite arm talent is his most marketable trait, and contrary to a prevalent belief, Williams doesn’t force passes or invite risk by nature.”
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