2024 NFL Draft: USC QB Caleb Williams shows emotion after another disappointing loss

The USC Trojans were dealt another blow on Saturday evening, as Lincoln Riley’s squad dropped a third game on the year, this time to the conference rival Washington Huskies. Quarterback Caleb Williams, a consensus top-five selection in the 2024 NFL Draft, was overcome with emotion after the loss.

Social Media Clowns Caleb Williams After Loss To Washington

As is the case with any highly-regarded prospect, Williams has become a victim of over-scrutinization. Some on social media have questioned his love for the game and his desire to improve his craft. Most of these stances stem from erroneous reports stating Williams is demanding an ownership stake from any franchise that selects him.

While Williams has never been quoted saying such a thing, several aggregator accounts ran with an outdated story, causing a sweeping false narrative around the star signal-caller. Now, based on nothing more than heresy and rumors, there is a large chunk of the football fandom that is actually praying for Williams’ downfall.

Look no further than the aftermath of the 52-42 defeat at the hands of Washington. Following the hard-fought battle, Williams ran over to his family to embrace them in the crowd. Cameras focused in on the quarterback, showing him sobbing profusely. Even though this highlights how much Williams cares about the game, his detractors used it as yet another excuse to hurl insults his way.

The same folks that said Williams “didn’t care enough” are now saying he “cares too much”. The narrative shifted from “get in the film room” to “get over it”. Sure—social media is a cesspool for negativity, and by and large, it is merely a vocal minority, not representative of how the consensus feels. But that doesn’t make these slanderous remarks justified.

No, He’s Not Patrick Mahomes — But He’s Pretty Darn Good

There’s a difference between fairly criticizing a player's performance on the field and outright bashing them personally. Williams hasn’t had the best showing in his (expected) final season with USC. A stinker against Notre Dame revealed the cracks in his supposed “generational” resume. That label is unfair to any prospect, especially when the name Patrick Mahomes is invoked in comparison.

Williams is a stud and has the talent to be a franchise quarterback at the next level. There is no denying it. However, he is certainly not Mahomes. The Trojan standout is a few inches shorter, less bulky, and far more raw than many will have you believe.

If you’re thinking, “Mahomes was raw too”, you’d be correct. But the difference is that Williams will be tasked with starting immediately — and it won’t be on a roster nearly as capable as the Chiefs were when Mahomes took the reins.

2024 NFL Draft: Can Williams Survive A Lackluster Landing Spot?

The Arizona Cardinals, Chicago Bears, New York Giants, and New England Patriots are the current front runners for the No. 1 overall pick. Landing with Brian Daboll or Bill Belichick would be the ideal scenario for Williams in Year 1. Going somewhere like Chicago, with a front office that has yet to establish its identity, could spell disaster.

Make no mistake: Caleb Williams has the talent to transform an NFL organization. But he cannot be thrown into the fire with an incompetent roster without expecting some growing pains. Unfortunately, through no fault of his own, some fans are eager to see him fail. Expect overreactions galore throughout his rookie campaign that mirrors the current discourse.

Folks may be laughing at Williams’ emotional reaction today. They likely won’t be laughing long, though. He is the type of talent you shouldn’t bet against. Lincoln Riley has helped form good habits behind center; an NFL coaching staff can put the final stamp on Williams’ development.