Report: Caleb Williams declines medical exams at 2024 NFL Combine

When NFL Draft hopefuls arrive at the Scouting Combine, they usually go through medical exams. It’s part of the evaluation process as NFL teams learn more about the prospects hoping to hear their names called in April’s draft.

According to multiple reports, consensus No. 1 pick Caleb Williams has declined the medical exams. Instead, he will go through testing with teams he meets with individually during the pre-draft process.

CBS Sports’ Jonathan Jones reported Williams is likely the first top prospect to decline the medical tests at the combine. Jones also said prospects have complained about the length of time it takes to go through those exams and getting the same questions from team doctors over and over.

Williams, the former USC star and 2022 Heisman Trophy winner, will still meet with reporters at his scheduled time on Friday in Indianapolis after meeting with eight teams throughout the week.

The most notable team to meet with Williams was the Chicago Bears, who own the No. 1 overall pick via the Carolina Panthers. Jones reported that took place Wednesday night. All signs point toward Chicago selecting him atop the board and moving on from Justin Fields in the process.

A trade for Fields hasn’t yet materialized. However, Sports Illustrated’s Albert Breer said “the bones” of a deal could come together during the combine. It doesn’t sound like general manager Ryan Poles wants to rush things, though. He told reporters his goal is to “do right” by Fields after his three years in Chicago.

“It just depends on what opportunities pop up,” Poles said on Tuesday. “I will say this. I think you guys know me well enough now, if we go down that road, I wanna do right by Justin, as well. No one wants to live in gray. I know that’s uncomfortable. I wouldn’t wanna be in that situation either.

“So we’ll gather the information. We’ll move as quickly as possible. We’re not gonna be in a rush. And see what presents itself and what’s best for the organization.”

The Bears aren’t the only team set to meet with Caleb Williams, though. Seven others – the Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, New York Jets and New York Giants – scheduled meetings with him, as well.

The Falcons and Pittsburgh Steelers are also potential teams to watch for a Fields trade, according to reports. It’s shaping up to be a candid discussion over the next few weeks as the Bears weigh their next move.