NFL Draft: Caleb Williams’ Medical Test Act Raises Concerns for Bears, Shifting Spotlight to Justin Fields

With each passing day, the star of the USC Trojans’ future draws newer conclusions, with each more controversial than the next. The NFL Combine is supposed to be a major event before the draft which gives the scouts a better chance to see the players showcase their skills and talent. But when players like Caleb Williams opt out of the workouts and do not undergo a medical evaluation, it definitely raises a few eyebrows.

Caleb Williams, the quarterback for the USC Trojans, is considered to be the best QB to come out of the 2023 season. He was the 2022 Heisman Trophy winner and despite not being able to lead the Trojans to a CFP top-4 spot, he gave an exceptional individual performance. Due to his talent and throwing skills, he has been projected to be the number 1 QB draft pick. But his reservations about the combine and the decision to not proceed with the medical testing will have a deep impact on how the Chicago Bears make their pick at the Draft.

Caleb Williams’ decision to not provide his medicals will have a consequence on the Bears’ Justin Field trade

Several top QBs like Drake Maye, Jayden Daniels, and Caleb Williams chose to not participate in the NFL Combine throws this year. But it’s only Williams who chose to not provide his medicals at the Combine. Instead, he will only undergo medical testing for the team that ends up picking him at the Draft. Since the Bears have the number 1 pick at this year’s Draft, it seems probable that Williams would end up with them.

The team is most likely to part ways with their current QB Justin Fields before the draft but the trade could be delayed since the Bears would want to be certain about Williams’ medicals before their pick. In response to the situation, here’s what Daniel Harms, from RGR Football had to say about Williams’ decision. He said, “Him saying, I’m only gonna do Medicals for the teams that can draft me or maybe the teams that I want to do medicals for. And that’s something you want to see coming out of the Combine, you want to have a better clear picture and specifically when it comes to the Chicago Bears, they have to wait to trade Justin Fields now. Personally, it bothers me a little but I would have liked to see him just get the medicals done.” 

Thus, it is evident that fans and analysts alike aren’t exactly pleased with Williams’ decisions and to add to his troubles, former quarterback for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Ryan Leaf, issued a warning to the Bears ahead of signing the youngster.

Ryan Leaf expresses serious concerns over the Bears’ decision to draft Williams

The hype surrounding Caleb Williams is unreal at the moment. All NFL Draft conversations begin with his name whether it be good or bad. But after an unprecedented decision to not forego medical testing has put the Trojans’ quarterback on the stand. The Bears could seriously reconsider their decision to draft him and in a recent statement, that is exactly what Ryan Leaf wants to warn the team about.

Ryan Leaf, who was the second overall pick in the 1998 NFL Draft, is one of several who believe Williams should not be a top pick. He said, “If you take him, you better be under the understanding that you’re going to sit him this year — and that’s not going to happen.”

He further added, “Seventy-five percent of what made him so great in college is not transferable to the NFL. He’s not going to be able to do that. He can’t do what he did in college 75% of the time and be successful at the NFL level. He can do the 25% at the NFL level, but he needs some time.” What Leaf meant to say was that it’s going to take some time for Caleb’s golden touch to take effect in the NFL and, as such, won’t be the wisest decision to take him after trading Fields. Moreover, there are so many doubts regarding Williams’ future but he remains to be a projected top overall pick and as such, whether he will be chosen by the Bears or not is the real question.

Read more: Russell Wilson’s $85M Broncos Exit Diminishes Caleb Williams’ Leverage as Commanders Discover a Win-Win Situation

Will Caleb Williams be chosen by the Bears or the Commanders? Let us know your thoughts in the comments below.