Draft experts imply Caleb Williams not consensus No. 1 pick

USC QB Caleb Williams Troy Wayrynen-USA TODAY Sports

Draft experts imply Caleb Williams isn't consensus No. 1 pick

By Clark Dalton | Last updated 11/17/23

Although many assume Southern Cal quarterback Caleb Williams will be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, some draft experts suggest it's not a consensus.

The Athletic's NFL Draft writer Dane Burgler recently ranked North Carolina QB Drake Maye as the best prospect in the 2024 class and believes some teams will prefer the redshirt sophomore.

"Like I've said since this summer, I don't expect there to be a consensus QB1 from team to team in this draft," wrote Burgler in a roundtable discussion of April's draft. "Some teams will prefer Caleb Williams; others will prefer Drake Maye. Both of these quarterbacks have the potential to grow into top-10 quarterbacks in the NFL."

In 10 games this season, Maye has completed 65.8% of his passes for 3,145 yards, 21 TDs, six interceptions and a 79.6 QBR. The QB carrying the Tar Heels (8-2) has also impressed The Athletic's Nick Baumgardner.

.@UNCFootball evens the score with this touchdown pass to Devonte Walker from Drake Maye pic.twitter.com/IWo9iwVHY2
— The CW Sports (@TheCW_Sports) October 21, 2023

"For me, Maye's ability to keep a bad North Carolina team competitive is more impressive than anything we've seen from Williams this year," explained Baumgardner. "Will it matter to the team picking No. 1? I have no idea."

Williams, however, has better numbers. In 11 games, the 2022 Heisman winner has completed 67.9% of his passes for 3,249 yards, 29 TDs, four interceptions and an 82.7 QBR. ESPN draft guru Mel Kiper Jr recently rated him as the top signal-caller in the class, above Maye.

Caleb Williams ✌️ Brenden Rice for the @uscfb TD! pic.twitter.com/82Cp0DzMxX
— The Draft Network (@TheDraftNetwork) November 12, 2023

Tantkathon projects Williams will go No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears, with the New York Giants selecting Maye with the second pick.

Assuming both declare, Williams will probably be the first quarterback taken during the draft in April. Maye is an intriguing prospect, though, and could give a general manager something to consider.

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