Caleb Williams refuses to answer questions on NFL future
After a Heisman Trophy season in 2022, USC quarterback Caleb Williams entered the 2023 season as the presumptive top pick in the next NFL Draft. On the field, nothing about that has changed. However, it does require that Williams actually enter the NFL Draft.
Recently, Williams’ father suggested that he may not enter the draft and could return to USC based on who has the top pick. In particular, it has been suggested that he wouldn’t want to play for the Arizona Cardinals if they earn the top pick. When asked about this, Williams refused to answer questions on his NFL future.
“We’ve got Stanford this week, and that’s what I’ll be worried about,” Caleb Williams replied. “The game is three days out and so it’s the main focus, the main goal, is to go out there against Stanford and not let my teammates down on Saturday.”
Williams clearly didn’t want to talk about his NFL future and keep the topic on the game this week. He shot down any other questions about the NFL, explaining that his focus is on succeeding this year at USC.
“So, that would be the answer to all of those questions towards the NFL,” Williams added. “I have 10 more games left here that I’m given, and then we’re working for the last three. So, that’ll be the answer for all of that, but next question.”
It makes sense why Caleb Williams doesn’t want to talk about the rumors that he may not declare for the NFL Draft. At the same time, given what his father said, those questions are more than fair.
Williams’ father said that he spoke to Lincoln Riley, who told him part of why quarterbacks that he’s coached in the past have struggled in the NFL is because of where they were drafted. That includes Kyler Murray who was drafted by Arizona.
“He’s got two shots at the apple,” Carl Williams said. “So if there’s not a good situation, the truth is, he can come back to school.”
How NIL could factor into Caleb Williams’ NFL Draft decision
One theory is that NIL could factor into Caleb Williams’ NFL Draft decision. However, on Get Up, analyst Paul Finebaum explained that he doesn’t think that will impact his decision.
“You could certainly threaten it, and we need to go back, what, to Eli Manning, for the last time this was really an issue,” Finebaum said. “But I don’t think that’s feasible. As much money as he is making and can make because of his brand, especially in LA, it’s not enough. To be the No. 1 pick … there’s so much bonus money, there’s so many residuals. There is no way you’re going to stick around one more year at Southern Cal.”
Heather Dinich added to that. She explained the decision is more than the financial side.
“I agree with Paul, and it’s also more than the money,” Dinich said. “We’re talking about the dream to play in the NFL at the highest level and be the top pick. I mean, that’s a no-brainer, in my mind. But it’s a personal decision, too.”