Rick Spielman spent 32 consecutive seasons in the front office of an NFL team. He is a two-time general manager and was named the NFL Executive of the Year in 2017.
Spielman first served as a GM with the Miami Dolphins in 2004, but it was his stint with the Minnesota Vikings (2012-21) where he made his name. Spielman led the Vikings to six playoff appearances during his time as general manager and drafted players such as Adrian Peterson, Justin Jefferson, Danielle Hunter, Harrison Smith, Stefon Diggs and others. It was also Spielman who signed quarterback Kirk Cousins away from Washington.
Last week, Washington Commanders owner Josh Harris hired Spielman and Bob Myers as advisors in his search for a new head of football operations and head coach. On Friday, Washington hired San Francisco 49ers assistant GM Adam Peters as general manager.
It’s unclear what Spielman’s future will be in Washington once the Commanders’ hiring process is complete, as Peters will make all final personnel decisions, but it is interesting to hear his perspective on the presumed No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft: USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
Spielman is a fan. A big fan.
Spielman, who contributes to The 33rd Team, had the following to write about Williams in October.
He is a unique talent at quarterback. Williams’ athleticism is on full display on every tape you watch, but he is a quarterback first. He shows poise and patience in the pocket. He, at times, is too patient and relies on his unique athletic ability to buy a second chance looking for the big play instead of taking what the defense is giving him. Williams won’t have that type of luxury — holding the ball for as long as he does in the pocket — in the NFL.
Williams shows his ability to get through his progressions and get the ball out on time when he must. His arm strength, release quickness and ball placement jump out on the tape. NFL defensive coordinators are going to have to game plan for Williams’ unique athletic ability and speed to make plays with his legs.
If you need more proof of how much Spielman likes Williams, check out this video of Spielman being asked if he would take Williams or other former No. 1 picks, and, in most cases, Spielmen went with Williams.
Former Vikings GM Rick Spielman on Caleb Williams. pic.twitter.com/AvJQTbuBMk
— Max Markham (@MaxMarkhamNFL) January 11, 2024
That’s high praise.
More from his scouting report on Williams:
Overall, though, it is hard to poke a lot of holes in Williams’ game. He will have to adjust to the speed of the game in the NFL, and the windows will be tighter, but those adjustments should come quickly for him.
After watching the 2023 tape, there is no question that if everything checks out through the pre-draft process, he will be a franchise-changing quarterback for whoever drafts him.
It could mean nothing for multiple reasons. Ultimately, the Chicago Bears hold all the cards. They could take Williams, or they could trade the pick. A move up, even one spot, will be costly. Perhaps too costly for Washington’s new regime.
While Spielman will not be making personnel decisions for the Commanders, you can bet he’s given his scouting report to Harris.