In an unprecedented move, USC quarterback Caleb Williams has opted not to do any medical checks at the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine and chose not to sign off on the release of his medical records to NFL teams.
Williams spoke at the combine about the move and said he knows all 32 teams aren’t going to have a chance to draft him so he didn’t see a need to release his private information to them all. He also noted he’s never missed time with an injury during his college career, not even coming off the field with anything minor, which strengthens his case for there not to be a need.
With Williams a near-lock to be the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NFL draft, he has decided there are only a limited number of options for him and he will control which of those have access to him. If the Chicago Bears trade Justin Fields, it’s a good bet Williams is their pick. If not, the Bears could trade back so another team can select Williams.
Should this move be a concern to potential teams? Probably not but you can bet it will. A team like the Atlanta Falcons, who desperately need a quarterback and are picking No. 8 overall. Is Williams willing to give them his medicals and do a full check in case they want to trade up? Truth be told, Williams is very fortunate to have the leverage to make a move like this but it is not something we expect to see more commonplace with the typical prospects.
