Timothy Rapp@@TRappaRTTwitter LogoFeatured Columnist IVDecember 15, 2023
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ESPN’s Mel Kiper Jr. recently stated on Thursday’s First Draft that USC quarterback Caleb Williams is securely locked into place as the top player available for the upcoming NFL draft.
“Overall the last two years he’s been phenomenal,” he said (4:59 mark). “So he’s cemented at No. 1.”
Williams had a slightly less impressive season than in 2022 when he won the Heisman Trophy. However, he still threw for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns, and just five interceptions, which was a bright spot in an otherwise disappointing season for the Trojans.
Kiper’s big board then had Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. at No. 2, with UNC quarterback Drake Maye, Georgia tight end Brock Bowers, and Washington wideout Rome Odunze rounding out the top five.
Kiper did mention that 2023 Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels could potentially push Maye to be the second quarterback taken off the board. But it sounds like, at least for the moment, that Williams has established himself as the clear favorite to be the top overall selection.