Caleb Williams makes rare move at NFL combine to skip medical evaluations: 'Just not here'
The 2024 NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis this week features hundreds of NFL prospects going through drills, taking measurements, meeting with team officials, and getting medical examinations. One exception to that final part of this week's combine is one of the top-rated prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft: USC quarterback Caleb Williams.
The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is predicted to go first overall to the Chicago Bears in most mock drafts. And he says the decision to skip medical evaluations in Indianapolis is simple: he won't be available in the draft for more than a couple of teams.
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"For the medical stuff, I'll be doing the medical stuff, just not here in Indy. I'll be doing it at the team interviews," Williams told reporters Thursday. "Not 32 teams can draft me. There's only one of me. So, the teams that I go to for my visit, those teams will have the medical. And that will be it."
Caleb Williams elaborated on declining to do the medical exams at the NFL Combine. As @jjones9 reported, he’s believed to be the first prospect to attend the combine but not do any medical stuff pic.twitter.com/86xgljZivo
— Kyle Stackpole (@kylefstackpole) March 1, 2024
A league source told CBS Sports that Williams may be the first combine invitee to attend the event after declining the medical examinations. Though the drills and 40-yard dash times grab fans' attention, the medical examinations and interviews are often considered the more important parts of the Scouting Combine.
Williams is enjoying his time in Indianapolis even though he is not throwing or doing medical evaluations. He stopped by former Trojans wide receiver Brenden Rice's interviews to ask his old teammate a question.
USC QB Caleb Williams to USC WR Brenden Rice:
“How does it feel to be Jerry Rice’s son?” pic.twitter.com/kKjajXkmO3— Colton Pouncy (@colton_pouncy) March 1, 2024
The Scouting Combine continues through the weekend. On Saturday, running backs, quarterbacks, and wide receivers will go through drills starting at 1 p.m. ET. The combine wraps up on Sunday with offensive line prospects going through drills starting at 1 p.m. ET as well.
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This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Caleb Williams at NFL combine explains rare move to skip medicals
