LOS ANGELES — In entrance of representatives for all 32 NFL groups, former USC quarterback Caleb Williams — broadly anticipated to be the No. 1 total decide within the upcoming NFL draft — confirmed off his ability set throughout his professional day Wednesday.
“I needed to return out right here and placed on a present,” Williams stated. “I believe it went nicely.”
Groups available have been capable of see Williams, the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, do one thing he hasn’t performed for the reason that 2023 faculty soccer season ended: throw the ball.
On the NFL scouting mix this month in Indianapolis, Williams determined to forgo medical testing and measurements. He additionally didn’t throw or take part in any drills.
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“I did not really feel the necessity to exit and throw,” Williams stated on the mix. “I performed round 30-something video games, I consider. Go forward and go watch real-live ball of me and see how I’m as a competitor.”
Williams, a junior who declared for the draft on the ultimate day he might, additionally stated he was doing medical testing for in-team visits solely, and wasn’t even fascinated with the chance that he will not be the highest total draft decide.
“It is not a thought in my thoughts,” Williams stated. “I do not assume I am not going to be No. 1. I’ve put in all of the onerous work. I do not consider a Plan B.”
Throughout his three seasons in faculty — one at Oklahoma and two at USC — Williams accounted for 10,082 passing yards and 93 landing passes whereas additionally including 27 dashing TDs.
After a sophomore season through which Williams burst onto the scene with 4,537 passing yards and 42 touchdowns whereas almost main USC to a Faculty Soccer Playoff berth, he began to be mentioned as a shoo-in for the highest total draft decide.
His potential as a franchise quarterback had scouts for each NFL crew available Wednesday at USC, the place Williams took his time to return onto a packed Allyson Felix Discipline
As soon as he arrived, Williams made his method to Chicago Bears huge receiver Keenan Allen, whom he hugged, earlier than making his means across the discipline to greet USC coaches and employees who have been additionally in attendance.
The Bears, who maintain the No. 1 total draft decide, despatched a fleet of representatives that included common supervisor Ryan Poles and coach Matt Eberflus in addition to Allen.
“To have the GM and the coach right here in to observe me … Is basically cool,” Williams stated. “I’ve identified Keenan for in all probability a 12 months now, frolicked with him a number of occasions, so for me to presumably be going to the identical crew as him is thrilling.”
At one level whereas Williams warmed up on a distinct discipline, each Poles and Allen went to the sideline to work together with Williams’ dad and mom, together with his dad, Carl.
All through the 50 or so cross makes an attempt, Williams’ timing and accuracy seemed easy, particularly on throws throughout the sector and within the transfer. General, solely 4 balls hit the bottom. Afterward, Williams was fast to diagnose the couple of throws he missed, detailing precisely why one wanted extra hold time and the opposite was only a bit behind his receiver.
As soon as the session was over, Williams completed by kicking a punt earlier than greeting USC coach Lincoln Riley and the Bears’ brass in addition to Washington Commanders common supervisor Adam Peters.
Williams confirmed that he had met with the Bears in Los Angeles on Monday.
“I do not assume I really want to be taught a lot,” Williams stated of their interplay. “Simply construct a relationship.”
Williams added that he is at a enjoying weight of about 217 kilos and has performed work to organize to take hits from far larger defenders than he encountered in faculty.
Williams stated he is attempting to keep up perspective whereas additionally permitting himself to embrace the joy of the second.
“That is one thing I have been ready for and dreaming for and dealing for it,” Williams stated. “I am excited and I am prepared. And the issues I am not prepared for, I will be prepared.”
