Barth’s 2024 Draft Profiles: USC QB Caleb Williams
USC quarterback Caleb Williams scouting report. Will the projected top pick in the 2024 NFL Draft live up to the hype?
Sep 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws the ball against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY SportsUSC quarterback Caleb Williams entered the 2023 college football season projected to be the first overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and despite not quite matching his 2022 production still did enough to maintain that expectation. Will the Trojans' dynamic passer live up to the hype?
Caleb Williams Scouting Report
Sep 2, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams (13) throws the ball against the Nevada Wolf Pack in the first half at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum. Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports
Background
College: USC
Age: 22
Height: 6'1
Weight: 215
Awards: Heisman Trophy (2022), Maxwell Award (2022), Walter Camp Award (2022), AP College Football Player of the Year (2022), Unanimous All-American (2022), All-Pac-12 First Team (2022), All-Big 12 Second Team (2021)
Williams was a five-star recruit out of Gonzaga College High School in Washington, DC. He was the second-ranked quarterback in the Class of 2021, behind Quinn Ewers. He initially committed to Oklahoma and as a true freshman he beat out preseason Heisman favorite Spencer Rattler for the Sooners' starting job mid-season. Following the season he followed his head coach Lincoln Riley, who took the head coaching job at USC.
In his first full season as a starter Williams had a breakout sophomore year. He won a number of awards including the Heisman, Maxwell, Walter Camp, and was named a unanimous All-American. Williams had another impressive season in 2023 but shortcomings elsewhere on USC's roster (they had the 121st-ranked defense) saw the team take a step back record-wise.
For more player breakdowns, scouting reports, and all things 2024 NFL Draft, check out the 98.5 The Sports Hub Draft Hub page.
Stats
Strengths
-- Can hit accurate throws to any part of the field
-- Excels out of structure, can still create big plays when protection breaks down
-- Sees the field well pre-snap
-- Quick release, with good zip on the ball when needed
-- Can be a threat with his legs, but doesn't rely on his rushing ability to be effective
Weaknesses
-- Footwork breaks down at times in the pocket
-- Too quick at times to go into ad-lib mode
-- Will hunt big plays when they're not called for, tests some windows he shouldn't
-- While elusive in the pocket, will hold the ball too long which leads to a lot of sacks
-- Relatively undersized compared to other top quarterbacks
Video breakdown
Player comparisons
Ceiling: Patrick Mahomes
Middle: Prime Russell Wilson
Floor: More athletic Jameis Winston
Bottom line
Williams possesses all the traits teams look for in a modern quarterback. He's the kind of QB that can instantly elevate an offense, but will need to do more in-structure at the next level. If put in the right situation and system he has a real chance to be a perennial MVP candidate.
Alex Barth is a writer and digital producer for 985TheSportsHub.com. Any opinions expressed do not necessarily reflect those of 98.5 The Sports Hub, Beasley Media Group, or any subsidiaries. Thoughts? Comments? Questions? Looking for a podcast guest? Let him know on Twitter @RealAlexBarth or via email at abarth@985TheSportsHub.com.
