The deadline for players to make a decision to declare for the 2024 NFL draft is today and one of the most notable names yet to make the decision is quarterback Caleb Williams. If he does declare, he is expected to be the first pick and has done extremely well throughout his career.
He won the 2022 Heisman Trophy and has thrown for more than 10,000 yards with 93 touchdowns to 15 interceptions throughout his three-year college football career thus far. But should he decide to return for his senior season or enter the 2024 NFL Draft?
Argument for why Caleb Williams should declare
Two words: Jordan Travis. He was viewed as one of the top quarterbacks, leading the Florida State Seminoles to an undefeated season but suffered a significant injury and now his draft stock has plummeted as a result. Williams is viewed as a top player but if he suffers an injury, there is no guarantee he will be the top pick in 2025.
There is no legitimate football reason why Caleb Williams should return to college football. USC is not going to be in the national championship hunt and they seemed to move on with Miller Moss throwing for a Holiday Bowl record. The talent is not there and he is going to be measured off his NFL success rather than what he did with Oklahoma and USC at the end of the day.
Argument for why Caleb Williams should stay at USC?
Have you seen some of the projected NIL figures that are going around? Caleb Williams would make more money from that than the rookie contract he would receive. He seems to have a great thing going with coach Lincoln Riley as the two have had ample success since the pairing in Oklahoma three years ago.
With the transition to the Big Ten Conference, the Trojans are going to want to get off on the right foot, and having Williams return would do just that.
What should Caleb Williams do?
Ultimately, the best idea would be for Caleb Williams to enter the draft. Whether he goes to the Chicago Bears or a different team, getting to a professional team in the NFL is critical for his earning potential. If it is just NIL money vs. NFL money, Williams is going to be behind the eight-ball in getting an extension off his rookie contract compared to the rest of the class.
The USC Trojans are not going to give him the money he is missing out on here. It is simply looking towards the future more than the present. He will have sponsorships and other endorsements to get him ample amounts of money while still a rookie.
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