The two most highly-touted players in this year’s NFL Draft have both reportedly decided that they will not participate in the upcoming Scouting Combine’s throwing drills.
USC quarterback Caleb Williams and his LSU counterpart Jayden Daniels are widely expected to be the first two selections in the NFL draft which starts on April 25 in Detroit, but any team interested in selecting either of them will have to wait a while longer to see them throw.
Both the players will attend the combine in Indianapolis this week where they will be available to meet and interview with teams, but won’t get involved in any on-field action, as per the NFL Network.
Instead, they will throw and work out for scouts at their respective pro days, with USC’s taking place on March 20 and LSU’s set for March 27.
This follows a recent trend of prospective top picks declining to work out in the unfamiliar environment of the combine in order to protect their draft stock.
The two quarterbacks have won the previous two Heisman Trophies, the award handed out annually to the best college football player. The Chicago Bears currently hold the number one draft pick, with the Washington Commanders having the second selection. Even with the prospect of either team trading away these picks, it would be something of a surprise if Williams and Daniels are not selected first and second.
The NFL Scouting Combine starts on Monday, February 26 in Indianapolis and runs for a week, giving college players the chance to perform in a number of drills, plus physical and mental tests in front of NFL scouts, coaches and general managers ahead of the draft.
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