NFL Draft Rumors: Caleb Williams Declines Medical Exams, Sharing Records at Combine

Former USC quarterback Caleb Williams is among the many participants competing at this week's NFL Scouting Combine, but it appears he's not taking part in one of the biggest aspects of the weekend.

Williams has declined to participate in medical examinations with teams, according to Jonathan Jones of CBS Sports. He's believed to be the first-ever combine-attendee to decline medical exams, Jones added.

Williams also "did not sign off on having his medical records shared with all 32 teams," according to Jones.

Medical examinations have been criticized by draft prospects over the years due to the length of time they take and the redundancy of having to take the same exam for multiple teams.

Instead of participating this weekend, Williams will complete medical exams with the teams he meets with during the predraft process, according to Jones.

The 2022 Heisman Trophy winner is expected to meet with the Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, Las Vegas Raiders, Minnesota Vikings, Atlanta Falcons, New England Patriots, New York Jets and New York Giants while in Indianapolis at the combine. He met with the Bears on Wednesday, according to Jones.

Williams is widely expected to be the No. 1 overall pick in this year's draft, and his decision to not participate in certain aspects of the combine likely won't change that.

In addition to declining medical exams, Williams is not throwing this weekend, which isn't uncommon for the top quarterback prospects. LSU's Jayden Daniels, who won the 2023 Heisman, is also not throwing at the combine.

Williams has already showcased his throwing ability throughout his career at USC. After winning the Heisman in 2022, he completed 68.6 percent of his passes for 3,633 yards and 30 touchdowns against five interceptions in 12 games in 2023, in addition to rushing for 142 yards and 11 scores.

Williams also does not have an agent and doesn't plan to hire one before the draft, according to ProFootballTalk's Mike Florio.

While the 22-year-old is widely regarded as the top quarterback prospect available in this year's draft, Bleacher Report's NFL Scouting Department lists the former Trojan as the second-best quarterback behind former UNC standout Drake Maye.