Insider reveals 'surprising' take regarding Caleb Williams' draft stock

Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams is the consensus No. 1 pick in April's NFL Draft. Or is he? 

Appearing on the "Next Pats Podcast," New England Patriots insider Phil Perry said opinions vary at the NFL Scouting Combine on Williams and where he ranks among the talented crop of QB prospects.

"Caleb Williams is not everyone's No. 1 quarterback, which surprises me a little bit," Perry said. There are football reasons as to why Caleb Williams might not be every scout's, every coach's favorite quarterback in this year's draft class."

As the draft nears, the growing belief is that the Chicago Bears will use the first pick to select Williams. However, Perry said sources close to the team revealed that the franchise "wasn't dead-set" on choosing the former Heisman Trophy winner. 

Meanwhile, others like former running back Merril Hoge and QB Dan Orlovsky have shared similar takes on Williams. 

Recently, Hoge said Williams wasn't "special," and urged the Bears not to overvalue him. 

"He is not something unique like a Patrick Mahomes," Hoge said. "And I hope the Bears don't think, 'Let's try to make up for our mistake when we passed on the Patrick Mahomes and go get the Patrick Mahomes.' The kid is not Patrick Mahomes - he ain't even remotely close to that."

The Bears could still trade the first overall selection, as they and general manager Ryan Poles ultimately wield the power. Yet, if they stand pat, Orolovsky believes Chicago should pass on Williams for Jayden Daniels, arguing that he was the best thrower, most explosive and showed the greatest "pocket peace" among this year's class of QBs. 

After months of conjecture over who will hear their name called first at this year's draft, the start of the combine has offered few clues. Though, if one thing is apparent, Williams going No. 1 isn't a sure thing.