Why Caleb Williams skipped medical testing at the NFL Combine and what it means for his draft stock
Caleb Williams' unprecedented decision is causing a stir.
The 2024 NFL Combine is off and running, and that means news will be hitting the internet regularly about guys who are turning heads. Yet, Caleb Williams is turning heads in a different way. The USC quarterback has declined to do medical testing with all 32 teams and is only sharing medical information with the teams he visits.
Caleb Williams has decided that he will not do medical testing with every NFL team as typically customary for NFL Draft prospects. That decision is seemingly unprecedented and is viewed as unconventional by many in league circles. Naturally, it might be hard for evaluators (and fans) not to wonder if there is something he’s hiding from teams.
On Friday, he shared what went into his decision to be intentional with whom he meets with.
Caleb Williams said he’ll do the medicals with the teams he visits with.
— Adam Jahns (@adamjahns) March 1, 2024
Here’s Caleb Williams talking about his decision to skip the medical testing at the Scouting Combine. pic.twitter.com/xfKVIh1duX
— ProFootballTalk (@ProFootballTalk) March 1, 2024
Here’s what Caleb said:
“Obviously, when you start doing things that’s not traditional, whether you’re at a school like USC, whether you’re here at the combine…I’d say the main thing has just been that it was a decision with my family and my team, and it really came down to: not all 32 teams can draft me, so, why give all 32 teams my personal medical things?”
Per Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports, NFL draft prospects have complained for years about the time it takes to do a medical evaluation with every team and answer the same or similar questions from multiple team doctors. With this knowledge in mind, it makes sense that Caleb Williams would be selective with his time.
Additionally, despite his unique decision, it should not impact his ability to be a top draft pick. Many pundits agree that Williams is still a highly coveted prospect.