In the eyes of many NFL Draft analysts and evaluators, former USC quarterback Caleb Williams is seen as a generational prospect.
Such an esteemed tagline has been placed upon Williams dating back to his Oklahoma debut in the Red River Showdown in 2021 and his two-year stint with the Trojans, in which he added a Heisman Trophy to his résumé.
But in looking for an NFL comparison for Williams, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Bill Connelly has an interesting selection. In an ESPN article published on Monday, Connelly explained the similarities in Williams’ and Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Russell Wilson‘s game.
“Uses his legs to buy time outside of the pocket? Check. Wilson threw 20% of his passes outside the pocket from 2012 to 2021, and Williams (USC) came in at 23% from 2021 to 2023,” Connelly wrote. “Combines excellent efficiency with elite playmaking? Check. Wilson completed 65% of his passes at 12.0 yards per completion — well over the league average of 11.4 — in Seattle. Williams completed 67% of his passes at 13.7 yards per completion in college. Granted, Williams won’t have to wait until the third round to hear his name called; he has all the tools you would want from a No. 1 pick.”
Caleb Williams remains on Bears’ radar ahead of 2024 NFL Draft
With the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft approaching on April 25, Williams remains the likely No. 1 overall selection of the Chicago Bears. Williams wrapped up his career having thrown for 10,082 yards, 93 touchdowns and 14 interceptions on 66.9% passing across one season at Oklahoma and two at USC.
If the pick is indeed Williams, he’ll have an array of weapons to work with in Chicago. In addition to having star wideout D.J. Moore and tight end Cole Kmet in place, the Bears signed running back D’Andre Swift and acquired receiver Keenan Allen from the Los Angeles Chargers earlier this offseason.
At the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis last month, Williams discussed potentially playing in Chicago.
“The Bears were 7-10 last year, and that’s pretty good for a team that has the first pick,” Williams said. “And they’ve got a good defense, they got good players on offense, and it’s pretty exciting if you can go into a situation like that.”
More must-reads: