INDIANAPOLIS — Caleb Williams, the presumptive No. 1 overall pick in April NFL draftBring NFL Combine teams without medical exams, multiple sources tell CBS Sports.
One league source believes Williams is the first collegiate invitee to the event after declining medical tests, which is typically considered one of the group's most important fixtures.
In accepting his invitation, Williams also did not sign off on sharing his medical records with all 32 teams, sources say.
For years, the NFL has received complaints from prospective candidates about the length of time for medical examinations as well as the frequency with which doctors from all teams examine the same player and ask the same (or similar) questions.
Williams, a former Heisman Trophy winner at USC, is expected to be the No. 1 quarterback in the draft. It's possible the Chicago Bears could draft Williams in April After trading Justin Fields Sometime in the coming weeks.
Williams has a unique amount of leverage as the presumed top pick. He chose not to conduct any field testing at the complex, Which is unusual Among the agreed upon best midfielders in recent years. He has not signed with an agent, and it's possible he won't do so before the draft.
He was scheduled to meet eight teams in Indianapolis: the Bears, Commanders, Raiders, Vikings, Falcons, Patriots, Jets and Giants, according to one source. He met with the Bears on Wednesday night in Indianapolis, according to sources.
He is expected to meet with the media Friday morning in Indianapolis in a session that is supposed to last about 15 minutes or so. Williams will practice with the teams at USC's Pro Day on March 20.
ESPN first reported that Williams was not planning to undergo medical tests at the combine, and also reported that he plans to undergo medical tests with the teams he meets individually during the pre-draft process.
Technically, National Football Scouting (NFS) runs the group as a third party to the NFL. In recent years, the groups have heard from more players who want to cut off medical examinations.
The league has made several attempts in recent years to make the pre-draft process more player-friendly, especially in an era of player empowerment, nothingness and a new generation of athletes.
2024 NFL draft It will be held April 25-27 in Detroit. More draft coverage can be found at CBSSports.com, including a weekly updated draft order, mock drafts and regularly available looks at qualified prospects.
