The 2024 NFL Draft is inching closer and closer as the days go by. One of the big names in this year’s class is quarterback Caleb Williams. There’s a good chance he goes with the top selection in the draft, earning some comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes.
However, not everyone is loving the Mahomes comparisons. In the run-up to Super Bowl LVIII, analyst Merril Hoge ripped Williams and the comparisons he’s being given. What did Hoge say?
Analyst Rips Caleb Williams for Patrick Mahomes Comparisons
Williams spent three seasons in college, one at Oklahoma and two at USC. He compiled 10,082 yards, 93 touchdowns, and 14 interceptions. He also won the Heisman Trophy in 2022 and was a one-time All-American.
“The one thing that is clear: He is not special,” said Hoge in a harsh evaluation. Hoge spent eight seasons in the NFL as a running back. Seven of those seasons came with the Pittsburgh Steelers, with his final campaign in 1994 coming with the Chicago Bears. “I hope the Bears don’t think, ‘Let’s try to make up for our mistake.'”
Hoge was hired by ESPN as an on-air analyst in 1996, where he’s spent most of his career. However, he was laid off in May 2017 and has since been with “Your Call Football,” a fan play-calling competition that hired him as one of its two football coaches.
“This is not Patrick Mahomes; ain’t even remotely close to that,” said Hoge. Mahomes, who is in his seventh season, has been one of the best quarterbacks in NFL history. However, he was selected 10th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft, eight picks after the Bears selected Mitch Trubisky second overall.
Merril Hoge has harsh evaluation of Caleb Williams pic.twitter.com/oIeDg83SOZ
— Bears Talk (@NBCSBears) February 9, 2024
In his career, Mahomes has won two Super Bowls, two MVPs, and two Super Bowl MVPs. Additionally, he’s been named first-team All-Pro twice, second-team All-Pro once, NFL Offensive Player of the Year once, and a Pro Bowler six times. He’s passed for 28,424 yards, 219 touchdowns, and 63 interceptions.
Trubisky, on the other hand, has played for three different teams and has made just one Pro Bowl. He’s passed for 12,536 yards, 72 TDs, and 48 INTs.
Justin Fields is the current quarterback for the Bears after being drafted 11th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft. He’s since passed for 6,674 yards, 40 touchdowns, and 30 interceptions. He’s also rushed for 2,220 yards and 14 more scores.
MORE: Top QBs in the 2024 NFL Draft
Despite all of that, many believe the Bears could replace him by drafting Williams.
Caleb Williams taking receipts.. 👀 pic.twitter.com/tnRgnox2xH
— Dave (@dave_bfr) February 9, 2024
“It is unfair to Justin Fields. He’s had new coordinator, new coordinator, new coordinator,” said Hoge. “There is no possible way you can know about your guy when you do that. It’s the worst thing that can happen to any place, especially a quarterback.”
The Bears will get their chance to make a decision on Fields and Williams this offseason. The new league year starts March 13 at 4:00 p.m., allowing teams to trade players. Additionally, the 2024 NFL Draft will take place from April 25-27, with the Bears holding the top selection in the draft.
As the 2023 NFL season comes to a close, the 2024 NFL Draft is on the horizon. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!