Former USC Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams is one of the most highly anticipated prospects in recent years, boasting a decorated college career.
During his freshman season with the Oklahoma Sooners in 2021, he started seven games, throwing for 1,912 yards, with 21 passing touchdowns, six rushing touchdowns, and four interceptions.
Williams moved to the University of Southern California for his sophomore season, where he began to ascend to prominence. In a sensational 2022 season, he threw for 4,537 yards, with 42 passing touchdowns, ten rushing touchdowns, and five interceptions.
Under his leadership, the team achieved an 11-3 record. Williams garnered several prestigious honors, including the Heisman Trophy, Walter Camp Award, AP College Football Player of the Year, Sporting News College Football Player of the Year, and Pac-12 Offensive Player of the Year. He was named a Unanimous All-American and First-team All-Pac-12.
In the 2023 season, Williams and the Trojans posted a 7-5 record, with the quarterback throwing for 3,333 yards, 31 passing touchdowns, and 11 rushing touchdowns with five interceptions. Following the season, he declared for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Despite his remarkable potential, the Chicago Bears, who own the first overall pick in the draft, may opt to pass on Williams. The team already has a franchise quarterback in Justin Fields, who is also a formidable player, and they might choose to bolster other areas of the team.
However, other teams should seize the opportunity to draft Williams to fix their problems under center.
3 teams that should trade for the No. 1 Pick with the Bears and draft Caleb Williams
1. New England Patriots
The Patriots possess the third overall pick in the draft after enduring their poorest season in three decades, finishing with a 4-13 record in 2023.
However, they found themselves outside the range to select the unquestionably best quarterback in the draft, especially given the unmet expectations with their QB Mac Jones.
Since the departure of Tom Brady, the Patriots have struggled to maintain relevance, and acquiring a big name like Williams could potentially reignite interest and boost the team's profile.
2. Atlanta Falcons
Holding the eighth overall pick in the draft, the Falcons are on the cusp of fielding a formidable offense, lacking only a standout quarterback. However, Desmond Ridder may not be the ideal solution.
In his first year as the starting quarterback, the 24-year-old concluded with 12 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 13 starts, averaging less than 200 yards per game through the air.
Despite a solid rushing attack, the team is tasked with identifying a quarterback capable of elevating their passing game.
3. Las Vegas Raiders
Holding the 13th pick in the draft, the Raiders need a dependable quarterback, particularly since their significant investment in Jimmy Garoppolo failed to produce the anticipated results. The veteran was benched in favor of rookie Aidan O'Connell, a fourth-round pick, for the last ten games of the season.
Under the leadership of new head coach Antonio Pierce and general manager Tom Telesco, Las Vegas is embarking on a new era, and a vital component of this transformation could be acquiring a star quarterback like Williams.
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