Phil Simms Breaks Down the Big Negative That Caleb Williams Possesses

Phil Simms breaks down the play of potential #1 overall Caleb Williams, and the negative that he sees with his game.

The #1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft belongs to the Chicago Bears, and the consensus is that they will select USC QB Caleb Williams. Williams is one of the purest talents to come out of college, which is a big reason why he will go first in the draft. 

Phil Simms has been breaking down the play for the top QBs in the draft this year, and though he is high on Williams—he also understands there is a drawback for the young QB. He reveals what that is on Simms Complete. 

"For all the talent that he has. I'm just going to give one negative. It will be. And it might take a year. It's going to be an adjustment for him playing in the NFL. Yeah, he's athletically, you know, he's the best guy on the field and all through high school and college. Well that won't be the point in the pros, he won't be physically the best guy."

via Phil Simms, Simms Complete

Despite Williams having a wealth of talent, Simms believes that he will have an adjustment period in the NFL. This is not uncommon at all. Even Ravens Lamar Jackson and Chiefs Patrick Mahomes did not start immediately. 

Williams could shock everyone by coming out and showcasing that he can hang with the NFL elite players, but he might also realize that the speed of the pros is far different than the collegiate level. 

"Of course, his ability to adjust or change angles. You know, like I said, to do his three sixties there's multiple times in college...now is something that I wouldn't promote at the NFL level. But there's multiple times in college where he literally turns and runs the opposite way to get out of traffic."

via Matt Simms, Simms Complete

Matt Simms is alluding to Williams oftentimes holding the ball a bit too long, and his innate nature to run while trying to make a big play. The result is usually a big-time throw on the run, resulting in a massive touchdown. The hope is the speed of the game will allow him to still accomplish these big throws.