Caleb Williams: The Next Johnny Manziel or Aaron Rodgers?

USC quarterback (QB) Caleb Williams truly has all the potential in the world with his arm talent and his highlight reel, but that’s it. Highlights are what gave former Texas A&M QB Johnny Manziel (a.k.a. Johnny Football) the opportunity to be selected in the first round of the 2014 NFL draft by the Cleveland Browns (No. 22 overall).

Drawing parallels between Williams and Manziel

Both Williams and Manziel demonstrated the exact same play style in college with consistent, simplistic offenses mainly consisting of one-read concepts.

These quarterbacks play/played with a Houdini-like escability even if it was unnecessary causing sacks and potential turnovers. One played elite competition week in and week out (Manziel) and the other hasn’t (Williams).

With that being said, Williams does have elite arm talent and can make pretty throws off balance (Like Manziel did in college), which most compare to a Patrick Mahomes-type play style. Mahomes of course, is the Chiefs QB.

Overview: Caleb Williams

6-foot-1, 215 pounds

40 time: 4.60

2022 Stats: 333/500 (66.6%) 4,537 yards (9.1 avg) 42 TD/5 INT.

Level of Competition: Low

Colton Edwards Grade: First-Round (Top 10) Early 2023 Fall Report

2022 film evaluated: Oregon State, Stanford and Utah

2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report:

Williams doesn’t have the NFL prototypical size for a quarterback but that doesn’t matter for some. Showing quick zip on the ball through all route levels of the field (short, intermediate, and deep). That allows him to squeeze it into tight coverage, especially zone. Most of the time when he faces pressure, he shows comfortability inside and outside of the pocket making him a pure athlete with his legs if needed. Great at leading his receiver in one one-on-one deep ball situations and puts it in the basket where only his guy can get it. Has a knack for sustaining drives and possesses the playmaking ability to create on third downs and in critical situations to keep the sticks moving. Finally, he’s a natural competitor willing to put his team on his back in crucial moments, good or bad.

It’s not hating

Do not take my criticism as “hate,” but he has five unanswered questions as of now.

1. Does the lack of competition affect him going into the NFL?

2. Can he perform up to standard in a traditional pro offense because he lacks the experience under center?

3. Can he learn not to hold and run with the ball loosely inside and outside of the pocket because it can become a bad habit?

4. Will he develop consistent mechanics with his footwork in the pocket? This is something nobody seems to notice due to his highlight plays and arm talent.

5. Will he be able to learn a more complex NFL offense in a shorter amount of time from draft day to the start of the regular season?

Summary

As we all know, Williams is arguably the best player in college football with his incredible combination of athletic skills, arm talent, and intangibles. With that elite play and stardom, there are still plenty of questions for scouts to look at. Some are concerned with his height but personally, I don’t look at that as the main issue.

If Williams can top or even show the same performance in 2023 as he did in 2022, he will most likely be the first overall pick pending the team. I truly don’t see him sliding out of the top five due to his potential.

While I have drawn “distinctions” between Williams and Manziel, hopefully, Williams doesn’t follow in Manziel’s footsteps in the NFL.

Who will he remind us of then?

Remember you heard it from me first, Caleb Williams is the next Aaron Rodgers, not Patrick Mahomes.

Colton just graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Sports Science at the United States Sports Academy. He has previous coaching experience as a former offense and defensive line coach at a local high school. While performing those duties, he also worked at PFF( Pro Football Focus) for a brief moment of time. He currently develops scouting reports here at firstroundmock.com. His aspirations are to become an NFL Scout/GM in the future.