USC Football: Caleb Williams Looking Like Anything But Consensus Top Pick In 2024

The debate rages on.

USC quarterback Caleb Williams likely won't add another Heisman trophy to his collection due to his recent performance against Notre Dame. 

Many scouts now wonder if Williams is truly worthy of the first overall pick in the upcoming NFL draft let alone another Heisman trophy after his worst display of 2023 so far. 

LA Times writer Sam Farmer detailed how scouts are now split on the mercurial talent with one anonymous name indicating UNC's Drake Maye as a better option in some league circles. 

“I know a lot of scouts who have done both players, most of them are scouting directors, and a handful of them have Drake Maye higher than Caleb,” Scout 2 said. “That will be the storyline whenever it’s talking-head season about the draft. That’s going to get pumped up a lot, especially if what a lot of people expect to happen to USC over the next couple of weeks, if they take a tumble now that they are going to play some really good teams.”

via Sam Farmer, LA Times

Maye boasts some impressive skills all his own but another scout Farmer asked is confident that Williams is the right choice for the first overall pick in the spring. 

“It’s a no-brainer to me,” he said. “Drake Maye is a first-round pick. He’s a really good quarterback as well. But Caleb can just do so much. His arm talent is rare. His ability to throw on the move is rare.”



via Sam Farmer, LA Times

What's become clear by his most recent showing is that Williams is indeed human and his spot atop NFL draft boards has now come into question due to USC's embarrassing first loss of the 2023 season. 

It'll be up to the junior superstar to reclaim his throne to finish USC's season, albeit likely without a national title due to their recent blowout to one of their biggest rivals. 

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