It will be a huge surprise if Caleb Williams is not the first name called out when the NFL Draft gets underway next Thursday.
The Chicago Bears are doing little to hide the fact that they intend to take the former USC quarterback with their number-one overall selection as Williams enters the draft as one of the most highly-rated prospects in recent years.
Here is a closer look at the NFL hopeful.
Background and college career
Williams was born in Washington D.C. and attended Gonzaga College High School, where he impressed as a sophomore and then as a junior, before his senior season in 2020 was cancelled due to COVID-19.
He then committed to play college football at the University of Oklahoma, initially backing up another 2024 draft hopeful in Spencer Rattler, before taking over as starter seven games into the season, finishing the campaign with 21 passing touchdowns, six rushing scores and four interceptions.
In January 2022, Williams transferred to USC as he reunited with former Sooners head coach Lincoln Riley. A hugely successful season followed as Williams was named the AP College Football Player of the Year and won the 2022 Heisman Trophy.
Another productive year followed in 2023, as Williams would end his college career with almost 10,000 yards passing and 120 total touchdowns.
What sort of player is he?
Williams has been dubbed one of the most exciting quarterback prospects in recent years. He possesses a very strong arm and the ability to make improvisational plays when the pocket breaks down, either via off-platform throws or by making defenders miss on the ground.
His creativity also sets him apart from the pack and means he should be a very entertaining watch in the NFL next season. To whet the appetite further, he says he models his game on Aaron Rodgers, Patrick Mahomes and Russell Wilson.
Where is he likely to be drafted?
This one’s a no-brainer, as the Chicago Bears are extremely unlikely to pass on the opportunity of landing Williams.
When is the 2024 NFL Draft?
The draft takes place over three days.
- Round 1: Thursday, April 25 (8 p.m. ET / 1 a.m. BST)
- Rounds 2-3: Friday, April 26 (7 p.m. ET / 12 a.m. BST)
- Rounds 4-7: Saturday, April 27 (12 p.m. ET / 5 p.m. BST)
2024 NFL Draft: How to watch
U.S.: ABC, ESPN and NFL Network
UK: Sky Sports NFL and DAZN
Canada: DAZN
Other regions not listed above will need to check their respective local schedules.
Live on DAZN PPV: Haney vs. Garcia on April 20. Click here for details.