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Merril Hoge Offers Caleb Williams Thoughts: 'He's Not Special'

Originally posted on Men's Journal | By Adam Schultz | Last updated 2/26/24

USC's Caleb Williams has been getting showered with praise for his exploits in college and what he could do for any NFL team that he is drafted to...but not all are sold on his talents.

With Williams drawing comparisons to Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes, he is expected to go No. 1 overall. To which team, that is unknown as the Chicago Bears have a decision to make with Justin Fields, and the Washington Commanders at No. 2 have hired USC's senior offensive analyst Kliff Kingsbury as their new offensive coordinator.

But there is some clarity regarding what Williams is or who he could become. Former Pittsburgh Steelers running back Merril Hoge has given his thoughts on Williams after watching game tape of the USC star.

“I’ve only watched Caleb Williams three games last year, three games this year so I’m only halfway done, the one thing that is clear, he is not special,” Hoge said via NBC Chicago. “He is not something unique like a Patrick Mahomes, the kid is not Patrick Mahomes, ain’t even remotely close to that."

Now, given what we have seen and heard, that doesn't add up, does it? But let's not forget Hoge here when it comes to evaluating players coming out of college and into the NFL.

When Johnny Manziel was the hot thing in professional sports and many were touting him as the savior for several franchises, Hoge, now famously, wasn't sold on Manziel's talents either.

That turned out rather well.

Hindsight is a wonderful thing and we aren't suggesting for a minute that Hoge is right or wrong either way, but it will be interesting to see how things shake out for Williams in the NFL.

Many are sold on Williams as a franchise player, much like they were with Manziel, while Hoge isn't.

Could lightning strike twice?

This article first appeared on Men's Journal and was syndicated with permission.

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