Why USC’s Caleb Williams isn’t throwing at the 2024 NFL Combine

Caleb Williams is expected to be the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, and whether he throws at the NFL Combine likely won’t change that.

The USC product has been considered the top selection in this draft class for two years, especially after winning the Heisman Trophy in 2022.

The question remains whether it will be the Chicago Bears taking him No. 1 or another team that trades for the top pick.

MORE: Williams talks about playing in Chicago

Williams just finished his junior season at USC, throwing for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, and five INTs with a 68.6-percent completion percentage. He added 11 touchdowns on the ground.

The star quarterback stands at 6-1, 216 pounds ahead of the NFL Combine and will turn 23 in November. Williams will be in attendance for the showcase, but he won’t be throwing.

MORE: Williams’ NIL earnings at USC

Why is Caleb Williams not throwing at the NFL Combine?Williams has seemed to solidify himself as the top prospect entering the 2024 NFL Draft.

With over 8,000 passing yards, 72 passing touchdowns, and a Heisman Trophy across the past two seasons, Williams has proved to NFL front offices that he can be their next franchise quarterback.

Instead, Williams will throw in front of scouts at his pro day. USC will hold its pro day on March 20, which will allow Williams to show off his skillset once again but in a more familiar setting.

It’s not an uncommon decision to see top NFL prospects not participate at the NFL Combine, as they often prefer the familiarity that their college pro day offers.

Further, he’s not the only top quarterback from this class to not throw at the combine, as LSU’s Jayden Daniels and UNC’s Drake Maye opted out, as well.

Some notable quarterbacks who did not throw at past NFL Combines include:

Joe BurrowRobert Griffin IIIAndrew LuckKyler MurrayMatthew StaffordTim TebowBryce YoungWilliams will still be in attendance for the NFL Combine. He’ll take part in interviews and garner plenty of media attention despite not throwing during the event.

Unless Williams flunks his interviews, the NFL Combine likely won’t change the outlook on his draft projection.

Author(s)

Brendan O’Sullivan is an editorial intern for Sporting News.