There’s one final test for Caleb Williams to pass before he graduates to the NFL — the pro day.
The soon-to-be former USC star will get his chance to showcase his skills for the league’s 32 teams at USC’s pro day workouts on Wednesday. It’s expected that Williams won’t have to wait long for his name to be called in the 2024 NFL Draft. The Bears, who hold the top selection and have a need at quarterback, will come calling quickly.
It’s hard to believe that anything Williams does can truly change his draft stock. His name has seemingly been written in pen for the top pick for about two years now. The only mystery at this stage is whether the workout will be conservative or aim to show off what the other quarterback-needy teams across the NFL wish they had a chance to select.
With Keenan Allen now in the fold alongside DJ Moore and newly signed running back D’Andre Swift, Williams could be walking into one of the better situations for a rookie signal-caller in recent history. Unlike Bryce Young’s experience with the Panthers last season, Chicago’s weapons give Williams a good chance to succeed right away. While those players won’t be at USC’s pro day, we can be certain that fans of the Bears will be dreaming of how it will look if all goes well.
The Sporting News is tracking Williams’ performance from his pro day Wednesday. Follow along below for updates and highlights from Williams’ showcase at the USC pro day.
NFL DRAFT 2024: SN’s latest first-round mock draft | Updated big board
Caleb Williams pro day live updates, highlights
(All times Eastern)
1:42 p.m. — In typical Hollywood fashion, USC is letting the suspense build as we continue to wait for Williams to start throwing footballs in an official workout.
1:37 p.m. — We’re still waiting for the action to get underway, but we are inching closer with the QB warming up on the field now.
Future #NFLDraft pick QB Caleb Williams warming up at #USC Pro Day
🎥: @NitecastMedia pic.twitter.com/dhjR2pm2r4— Nick Hamilton (@NickHamilton213) March 20, 2024
1:30 p.m. — Williams’ pro day is only moments away, but seems to lack in the amount of hype we’ve seen for signal callers in recent years. Outside of the Bears contingent on hand, there hasn’t been much activity to this point in Southern California.
1 p.m. — We are about 30 minutes away from seeing the top prospect begin his workout where he’ll look to show off his combination of athleticism and arm talent.
Potential #1 overall pick Caleb Williams ready to show off his arm in front of scouts 💪 @CALEBcsw @uscfb
📱: USC Pro Day— Today 1:30pm ET on NFL+ pic.twitter.com/jz7UWOFK8O
— NFL (@NFL) March 20, 2024
12:47 p.m. — The Bears’ theme continues with Williams out on the field greeting what will likely be his future teammate, Keenan Allen.
Caleb Williams (@CALEBcsw ) arrives at USC pro day AND greets former Charger WR Keenan Allen (@Keenan13Allen).
I’m sure these two are going to connect a lot more with the Chicago Bears this season.
More tonight at 10:45pm on @SportsCentralLA pic.twitter.com/tK2Oz3J82w
— Darren M. Haynes (@DarrenMHaynes) March 20, 2024
12:45 p.m. — According to Albert Breer, the Bears’ traveling party includes head coach Matt Eberflus, OC Shane Waldron, GM Ryan Poles and assistant GM Ian Cunningham. The group will also head to Michigan to see J.J. McCarthy and the Wolverines prospects on Friday.
12:01 p.m. — To no one’s surprise, the Bears have plenty of people on hand to see their future QB in person.
The Bears are well represented at @uscfb pro day for Caleb Williams pic.twitter.com/2H1eb2fWFQ
— Andrew Groover (@APGroover) March 20, 2024
Will Caleb Williams throw at the USC pro day?
After opting not to throw at the NFL Combine, Williams will instead show off his arm at USC’s pro day. Williams only took part in a press conference and measurements at the combine, electing to focus on team meetings.
Unless disaster strikes, the USC star won’t be in a position to hurt or help his draft stock any more than he already has. For a team like the Bears, they’ll be watching what they hope is their franchise player for many years to come. For others, it will be a chance to see some of the other talent the Trojans have to offer or catch a glimpse of what could be the NFL’s next big thing.
How to watch USC’s pro day in 2024
- Date: Wednesday, March 20
- Time: 1:30 p.m. ET
- Stream: NFL+
USC has been fairly tight lipped about the timing of their pro day in 2024, but NFL+ will carry the event live at around 1:30 p.m. ET. The expectation is that Williams’ workout will begin shortly after that. The event will also be re-aired on NFL Network at 8 p.m. ET.
MORE: Watch Caleb Williams’ Pro Day on NFL Network with Fubo (free trial)
Caleb Williams NFL Draft projection
There isn’t a lot of mystery surrounding Williams’ draft projection, considering he is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick. After trading Justin Fields, this selection is essentially locked in. The only question left is how much time the Bears will take when they’re officially on the clock on April 25.
