For months now, there has been heavy speculation that USC quarterback Caleb Williams will be the unanimous top pick in the 2024 NFL draft but recent speculation and waffling from Williams himself has left that in doubt. In an interview with the LA Times, Williams said it is a “game-time decision” on whether he declares or not for the upcoming NFL draft.
Should Williams decide perhaps he does not like the team at the top of the draft board, or he simply prefers another year at USC due to the NIL money and chances to set even more records, it would certainly shake up the top of the draft board. Whoever ultimately ends up with the No. 1 draft pick at the end of the season will have a certified golden ticket to either select Williams or trade the pick for a draft haul that could reset a franchise. Should Williams shrug off the draft, that draft pick would suddenly shrink in value. The pick would suddenly be a toss-up as to who would ultimately be the selection.
While North Carolina’s Drake Maye is resoundingly the next-best thing at the quarterback position for the class he doesn’t hold quite the weight that Caleb Williams does. Williams is often regarded as the best quarterback prospect to come out since Andrew Luck, whereas Maye may be the best since last year’s top two signal-callers. The top of the draft class also holds the talents of Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. and UCLA edge rusher Laiatu Latu, who both would settle in nicely as blue-chip prospects.
Caleb Williams holds a lot of power in the upcoming class, and the NFL world will certainly await his decision with bated breath. One thing is for certain: this is going to be a continuing headline until the declaration deadline or Williams gives in and makes a decision.