Caleb Williams is a luminous talent who just finished a difficult season at USC. Let’s be clear, however, when we refer to a “difficult” season. It was difficult because USC lost five games and struggled to play its best football. Caleb Williams had his share of moments when he wasn’t as good as he — and USC — needed to be. He did lose the Notre Dame game (as did USC’s offensive line). He wasn’t as good as he was in his 2022 Heisman Trophy season.
Yet, for all the flaws we can find in Caleb Williams, let’s make no mistake: He was still a very good football player this year. He was forced to do just about everything by himself. He was legitimately brilliant in a number of games, memorably against Washington. Caleb Williams cried after that loss because he knew he had given it his very best, and yet it wasn’t enough because Alex Grinch’s defense was horrible and didn’t give him a good chance to win.
Caleb Williams will be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL draft, barring an unlikely series of events. His talent is too overwhelming to ignore. This is a high-level quarterback we are talking about, and that should be made clear.
However, after watching Caleb this season, there are certainly some things he can do better.
A short list:
Get the ball out more quickly. Sometimes Caleb held the ball too long looking for the downfield strike. In the NFL, checking down when the deep ball doesn’t emerge is the responsible play. Live for the next play.
Another key: Don’t try to be the hero on every play. Caleb fumbled a few times this season when trying to extend plays instead of just throwing the ball away.
A third key: Be more willing to run. Obviously Caleb needs to protect himself and not be reckless, but his running ability opens up opportunities for him. He has to tell defenses he will run if they sit back in coverage.
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