Where to Draft Caleb Williams in Dynasty Rookie Drafts

First, let me make it clear that this will not be a rant about how he’s so overrated. No, Caleb Williams is an exceptionally talented athlete. Today, we’ll be diving into the USC star quarterback. More importantly, we’ll discuss character concerns that may have you hesitant about drafting him in dynasty football leagues.

Williams has the potential to be what everyone thought Trevor Lawrence could turn into. He could be the next Patrick Mahomes. But what if he isn’t? What if the crying was a sign of a bigger emotional issue? What if he can’t handle the media? Let’s get into Williams and find out where to draft him in 1QB and Superflex dynasty rookie drafts.

Where Should You Draft Caleb Williams in Dynasty Rookie Drafts?

CFB Career Stats

Let’s start with the numbers. Since taking over for Rattler at Oklahoma, Williams has put up impressive stats. Heisman-level even. Over 27 games through 2021, 2022, and 2023 at Oklahoma and USC Williams threw for 10,082 yards with 93 touchdowns to only 14 interceptions. Additionally, he amassed 27 touchdowns and 966 yards on 289 carries. Hell, he’s even punted twice for 84 yards. All in all, he’s been nothing short of brilliant under center. So how could these numbers be anything other than evidence for his 1.01 worthiness?

How many of you watched the Holiday Bowl? Well if you didn’t, Williams didn’t play. It was a quarterback named Miller Moss who set records against the 21st-ranked Louisville defense. It’s no surprise though given Lincoln Riley’s offensive schemes have always been very quarterback-friendly. But why does that matter for Williams? Well, Caleb has never had another collegiate coach. In the end, it was with Riley at Oklahoma and again at USC.

Furthermore, the idea that Williams could simply be a system quarterback has been floated in certain circles. Can Williams repeat his success in a different system? Unfortunately, we won’t know until he’s drafted.

Potential Character Concerns

Let’s assume Caleb does transition to a new scheme as well as we hope. There were moments during the Holiday Bowl that got some attention. The first happened during the game. Following a big touchdown, all the Trojan players ran to the endzone to celebrate together. On the way back to the sideline, an unnamed player can be heard yelling “We a team now! We a team now!” What does that mean? Why weren’t they a team before? Well, Miller Moss was playing quarterback for the Trojans during the Holiday Bowl. Is it possible Williams is not seen as a team player?

Moreover, USC’s iffy record had been blamed on the defense. However, even the defense played well against Louisville, holding them to under 400 total yards and forcing two turnovers. A single player’s comment was just plain excitement though, right? What if the coach makes a similar comment? 247Sports ran a story about Coach Riley’s postgame press conference. During it, he made a statement that cannot ignored. Coach Riley is quoted saying “The entire vibe of the sideline felt different,” … “You could tell guys were just playing for one another. Across the board, you just felt it. You felt that the defense wanted to make plays for the offense. The offense wanted to make plays for the defense.” That was so new it was worth mentioning.

However, this wouldn’t be an article about Williams if the biggest potential red flag wasn’t discussed. Crying… In his mother’s arms… Following a loss… Look, we all have bad days. We all have weak moments. However, we all understand there is a time and place for showing vulnerability. On National Television, when you’re the consensus 1.01, is not it.

Moreover, being an NFL quarterback is arguably the most challenging job in all of American sports. There is an enormous amount of pressure on you both on and off the field. Williams’ act at the end of the game can, on one hand, be taken as the act of a person who gave his all, came up short, and is very upset and frustrated. But on another hand, it can be seen as someone throwing a temper tantrum because they didn’t get their way. As with all of these points, only time will tell.

Is Caleb Williams a Generational Talent?

The fourth and final point is centered around a single word: Generational. I mentioned Trevor Lawrence earlier in this article. He was labeled generational when he was drafted 1.01 by the Jaguars. He has proven to be anything but. Personally, I am always wiery about players given this label because it is near impossible to live up to it, and those that do rarely are given the title before earning it. Players like Tom Brady, Barry Sanders, and Travis Kelce. Sanders was of course a top 5 pick when drafted but no one thought he would be as good as he became. My point is that generational players rarely end up as such.

Where to Draft Caleb Williams in 1QB Dynasty Rookie Drafts

Can Williams be a top talent in the NFL? Absolutely. There is no question he has the talent to be great. However, I would simply encourage you to take into account the possibility of him being the next Johnny Manziel. Maybe trade away that 1.01 pick for a haul of players who have already proven themselves. Additionally, picks will expose you to more assets instead of sinking your team’s future in the hopes that Williams is the next Mahomes.

Notably, when your 1QB dynasty rookie drafts come around, Williams will probably be overdrafted. Typically, the top quarterbacks shouldn’t get drafted until the end of the first round or so. However, in a class that is shaping up to be a bit less exciting than we originally expected, we may see managers reach on Williams a bit in their drafts. Take advantage of this potential value and consider selling some of your 1st round picks this year. Especially those later ones.

Where to Draft Caleb Williams in Superflex & 2QB Dynasty Rookie Drafts

The simple answer here is that Williams should certainly be the 1.01 in Superflex and 2QB leagues. Despite any character concerns, a quarterback who is going to be the 1st overall pick in the NFL Draft deserves the 1.01 here. Additionally, whether he ends up being a generational talent or not doesn’t matter. Any quarterback who has this high of draft capital brings immense value in dynasty football leagues. More importantly, in leagues where you can start 2 quarterbacks, the value of a player like Williams cannot be understated.

Use the links below to follow important information about the 2024 NFL Draft.

• Senior Bowl Invite Tracker
• 2024 NFL Draft Eligible Prospects Returning to School
• 2024 NFL Draft Tracker: Underclassman Who Have Declared

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