Caleb Williams Likes Video of Merril Hoge Saying He Isn't Special Ahead of NFL Draft

Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams is keeping receipts ahead of the 2024 NFL draft.

Merril Hoge, a former NFL running back who spent a season with the Chicago Bears in 1994, recently said during an NBC Sports Chicago broadcast while evaluating Williams that he is "not special," indicating the Bears shouldn't take him with the No. 1 pick.

"The one thing that is clear, he is not special," Hoge said. "He is not something unique like a Patrick Mahomes. And I hope the Bears don't think 'Well let's try to make up for our mistake when we passed up Patrick Mahomes and go get the Patrick Mahomes.' The kid is not Patrick Mahomes. Ain't even remotely close to that."

Williams was quick to "like" the post on X, signaling that he'll remember Hoge's remarks if he ends up going first overall:

Williams is widely considered the No. 1 quarterback prospect available in the 2024 draft class after winning the 2022 Heisman and putting together a strong couple of seasons at USC.

During the 2023 season, the 22-year-old completed 68.6 percent of his passes for 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns against five interceptions in 12 games, in addition to rushing for 142 yards and 11 scores.

The biggest debate for Chicago is whether to move forward with Fields or trade him, draft a quarterback and start over at the position. ESPN's Adam Schefter reported this week during an appearance on the Pat McAfee Show that the "widespread consensus around the league" is that Williams will be taken with the No. 1 pick.

There was also some concern that Williams didn't want to play for the Bears, but his camp denied those rumors last week.

Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department currently has former UNC signal-caller Drake Maye ranked above Williams in its post-Senior Bowl big board.