HQ Spotlight: Caleb Williams NFL Draft Prospect Preview

Mock Trade from: CHI

Who knows what fate awaits Bill Belichick, but what seems much more certain is that the 2024 Patriots starting quarterback currently isn't on the roster. If the organization has two (or three) quarterbacks graded in a similar range, it could remain at No. 2. That said, if New England thinks Caleb Williams is special -- and a head above the other passers in this class -- then trading up could be on the table.

Mock Trade from: NE

The Giants are on the hook for at least one more year with Daniel Jones, who tore his ACL and is done for the season. But even if they bring him back in 2024, Drake Maye should be the heir apparent.

Kyler Murray has looked sharp since returning from his ACL injury and it's tough to envision any of the rookie QBs in this class coming into Arizona and performing better in Year 1. And while losing out on Marvin Harrison Jr. stings, solidifying the offensive line (last year, the team took RT Paris Johnson Jr. in Round 1), rolling with Murray and building on Jonathan Gannon's first season all feel like steps in the right direction.

I know that Sam Howell is the Commanders QB and that he's had a solid Year 2 while showing signs of real growth. But there's also a pretty good chance new ownership is looking for a new coach, and often new coaches like to have "their" quarterback too. No player improved more this fall than Daniels, whose game reminds me a lot of Lamar Jackson.

Yes, LT Joe Alt is still on the board but the Bears are happy with their young offensive tackles, and instead, they continue to rebuild the defense. Montez Sweat was acquired during the trade deadline and he's bookended by Dallas Turner. Last month, Will Anderson Jr. told me on the With the First Pick Podcast that Turner, his former Alabama teammate, has a better understanding of the game at this point in his college career than Anderson did.

Here's how I like to describe Maye: his NFL comp is on a spectrum, where Trevor Lawrence is best case and Daniel Jones is, well, something less than that. For the Giants -- or whoever drafts him -- they have to figure out how to set him up for success because he has a chance to be special. He just can't do it alone (see his '23 season).

Best-case scenario for the Jets, assuming they're not in the market for a quarterback. Alt is coming off an impressive season in which he answered any questions about whether he can play left tackle in the league (because he can).

Latham had a dominant '23 for the Crimson Tide and while he's only played right tackle the last two years in college, in Tennessee he helps rebuild an offense line that has done Will Levis few favors this season.

The Saints may give serious consideration to life after Derek Carr this offseason, but his contract could complicate things. Instead, I have them bolstering their wide receiver room with Nabers, who had a breakout campaign for the Tigers this fall.

Tampa Bay is another team that could be in the QB market since Baker Mayfield is on a one-year deal, but assuming Mayfield re-signs, adding wide receiver depth will be a priority. And there are a handful of players who will be in the WR2 conversation, including Odunze.

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This WR class is insanely deep, so Nabers lasting until the No. 12 pick feels like stealing.

The Chargers hate to pass on Brock Bowers here but they absolutely have to improve the defense. Yes, Tuli Tuipulotu has had a great rookie season, but Joey Bosa is out with a foot injury and Khalil Mack, whose contract expires in 2025, will be 35 next year.

Odunze has had a breakout season for the Huskies, and the Broncos need to add some juice to the WR room.

The Michigan State transfer hit the ground running in Tallahassee, and his combination of size, speed and catch radius -- not to mention return ability -- has firmly put him in the running for WR2 in a deep receiver class.

The biggest issues facing Latu will be if he's cleared medically after a neck injury sidelined his career a few years ago. Because on the field, he has been unstoppable this season.

No player has done more for his draft stock than Jayden Daniels; we all knew he could run, but he's shown continued improvement as a passer and has a legit case to be QB3 in this class.

Newton played on an Illini defense last season that included No. 5 overall pick Devon Witherspoon and Day 2 selections Quan Martin and Sydney Brown. The defensive lineman will be the next in line to hear his name called early in the draft.

Egbuka's numbers are down this season, in part because of injury and in part because that's what happens when C.J. Stroud leaves for the NFL.

You will not find a player with a higher motor, and when you couple that with Tuimoloau's twitch, speed and power, he's going to be a problem at the next level for NFL offensive tackles.

The biggest issues facing Latu will be if he's cleared medically after a neck injury sidelined his career a few years ago. On the field, he has been unstoppable all season.

Newton played on an Illini defense last season that included No. 5 overall pick Devon Witherspoon, and Day 2 selections Quan Martin and Sydney Brown. The defensive linemen will be the next in line to hear his name called early in the draft.

Lassiter feels like a Dan Quinn cornerback -- he's long and he's physical, both in coverage and in run support. The ball production isn't there yet, but that'll come.

Alabama thinks Kool-Aid has legit NFL cover skills -- the only question will be his deep speed, and that would be the only reason he'd still be available here. Otherwise, there's a lot to love about his game. Added bonus: he can be an asset in the return game, too.

The Texans traded up for Will Anderson Jr. in the spring and he's been as advertised. This time, they stay put and land another edge rusher in Chop Robinson, who is as active a pass rusher as you'll find in college football.

Donovan Smith's contract expires after the season and while Paul is raw, his athleticism will put him firmly in the first-round conversation.

Trice is a proven commodity who has come on as of late; he's a high-motor player who needs to expand his pass-rush arsenal, but he's a designated pass rusher from Day 1.

Lassiter feels like a Dan Quinn cornerback -- he's long and he's physical, both in coverage and in run support. The ball production isn't there yet but that'll come.

Trice only had five sacks this season but he led FBS pass rushers in pressuring the quarterback. He's active off the edge and would be a nice bookend to Aidan Hutchinson in Detroit.

Suamataia played out of position at right tackle in 2022 and played every snap at left tackle this season. NFL teams love his size and potential.

NFL teams are intrigued by Isaac, who has the length, juice and production that translates to the next level. He has 14.5 career sacks at Penn State, including 7.5 in 2023.

Barton has played only left tackle his last three seasons at Duke, and he was the anchor of that unit, but his NFL future will be inside, either at guard or center.

Mitchell, a Georgia transfer, is another in a long line of big, physical, fast, twitched-up WRs in this draft class. He plays mostly outside, but did work in the the slot more this season, and the thought of a WR room of A.J. Brown, Devonta Smith and Mitchell is fun to think about unless you're one of the other three teams in the NFC East.

After the Fields trade, the Bears have their sights set on the quarterback market in the draft and land on Maye, a polished, multiple-year starter with mobility and a strong arm.

Surprise! The Patriots go with Daniels over Caleb Williams as the second quarterback off the board. Daniels is an athletic marvel with two years of high-caliber passing productivity in the SEC.

This is about as good as the Patriots could've hoped for the draft to fall. Williams has franchise-quarterback capabilities.

The Commanders would have a major decision to make here: go Caleb Williams, pick a stellar offensive tackle prospect, or trade down. In this mock, they go with the brick-wall blocker from Penn State who boasts All-Pro upside.

Lati is the most ready-to-go, off-the-bus outside rusher in the class, which is precisely what this surprisingly surging Bears defense needs.

HQ Spotlight: Caleb Williams NFL Draft Prospect Preview

Mock Trade from: NYJ

Daniels is my pick for largest riser during the pre-draft process. Big recruit, super athletic, strong arm, two big seasons in the SEC. Yeah, it checks out.

While I'd be surprised if the Giants don't go quarterback here, with three already off the board and Daniel Jones' $35 million fully guaranteed 2024 salary on the books, they actually may go in a different direction inside the top 10.

Alt may not have All-Pro upside, but he's pro-ready, which is exactly what the Titans should be looking for at tackle entering 2024.

It feels like Newton is going to test through the roof at the combine, and he's quite easily the best interior pass rusher in the class.

Mock Trade from: TB

No one will fault the Jets for getting a nasty blocker with brute strength to protect Aaron Rodgers.

McKinstry is the exact cornerback the Raiders need in the secondary. Physical, alpha mentality on the perimeter.

The Saints are desperately in need of more electricity on offense. And Bowers would bring that at the tight end position.

Odunze is an intimidating, sculpted presence on the perimeter. Fun addition to Buffalo's offense.

Fuaga's a masher who'd fit well at right tackle in Denver.

The Bengals get the top big-bodied wideout in the class after Harrison Jr.

HIghway robbery here for the Rams, who add the ultra-athletic rusher with rubber-band bend at No. 16 overall.

If Tee Higgins isn't re-signed, Coleman would the natural replacement. Similar frame and skill set.

Head coach Jonathan Gannon came up in the Philadelphia organization, where the pass rush was relentless, and an onus was put on the defensive line in the first round.

With Justin Fields in the mix, the Falcons go back to the offensive side of the ball in Round 1. Mims has monstrous upside and can eventually replace Kaleb McGary at right tackle.

The Packers are kinda-sorta in best-player-available mode here, and DeJean's playmaking instincts get him selected this high to a team that hasn't shied away from defensive backs early in the draft.

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A springy, experienced, productive quarterback this late in the first round represents a bargain for the Vikings. Easy choice at this stage of Kirk Cousins' career.

While not quite as eye-poppingly disruptive as he was in 2022, Taylor is still a strong, athletic, physical specimen at defensive tackle, who'd represent the future inside for the Colts defensive front.

It's a Penn State reunion in the Steelers secondary. Joey Porter Jr. and King usher in a new, lockdown era at cornerback in Pittsburgh.

Trice is an ultra-refined pass-rush move karate master with his hands who'd generate a fun pairing with Will Anderson Jr. on the edge in Houston.

Morgan is a sizable, athletic pass-pro specialist who'd be a sensible pick in Kansas City, especially with the long-term future in mind.

More reinforcement up front in front of Trevor Lawrence with the polished guard-tackle prospect from Duke.

Nubin is a do-everything safety prospect who has pieced together another fine season at Minnesota.

More cornerback help on the perimeter with the twitchy defender from Clemson.

Legette is the gritty YAC monster the 49ers would adore to incorporate into their offense.

Mims is a Project Y-type tackle prospect with the length and athleticism Kyle Shanahan will like for the future of a vital position.

Cooper was a star in another disappointing year at Texas A&M, and the Dolphins would like more long-term stability at that second-level position.

Elliss is an emerging edge rusher in this class, and the Eagles will want to continue to prepare for the future at that position.

HQ Spotlight: Caleb Williams NFL Draft Prospect Preview

Justin Fields has been trending in the right direction but, is it too little, too late? Will Matt Eberflus be out after the season and will new leadership want their own QB? There is a lot to work through in the Windy City.

Congratulations, New England, you have finally done it. You lost enough games to be in a position to select one of the perceived top quarterback prospects. The worst place a bad team can find itself is in the middle of the draft order so while it sounds sarcastic, it is a genuine sentiment.

Arizona and Kyler Murray seem to be on a healthy page as the regular season winds down, which is great because they may miss on the top quarterback prospects. Marvin Harrison Jr. is a welcomed addition for an Arizona offense that lacks size.

Washington made a great decision to sign Charles Leno Jr. when Chicago threw him out of the building like Uncle Phil did Will but Leno turns 33 in 2024 and the franchise may need to turn the page.

Chicago can quickly turn a weakness into a strength. After trading for Montez Sweat, the franchise uses a top-5 selection on Dallas Turner. Opposing teams will no longer be able to isolate Sweat without worrying about what is happening on the other side.

Joe Alt falling to No. 6 overall is a win for the Jets; although I do think they will make a run at David Bakhtiari this offseason.

New York could conceivably move on from Darren Waller this offseason and save money toward the salary cap, while adding Brock Bowers in the process.

Tennessee continues investing in Will Levis by adding protection for him. The team drafted Peter Skoronski and JC Latham in back-to-back years.

Michael Thomas is entering his final season with New Orleans. There is an out in his contract after the 2024 season and it is difficult seeing the two parties continue.

Tampa Bay may move on from Todd Bowles after the season so new leadership may have a different vision for quarterback than Baker Mayfield. Jayden Daniels brings more dual-threat ability to the position.

Las Vegas has tried to fill its need at cornerback but has done it with the wrong players honestly. Nate Wiggins is worthy of this consideration and may be the best man-coverage cornerback in the class.

The Chargers feel like another franchise about to go under the hood and make some changes to the car. Kool-Aid McKinstry, teaming with Asante Samuel Jr., would be a solid start to rebuilding the secondary.

Leonard Floyd, A.J. Epenesa and Shaq Lawson are all free agents. Von Miller is dealing with his own situation. Boogie Basham was traded away last offseason. The Bills may need to retool on the edge.

Jared Verse is a heavy-handed rusher who can set the edge in that defense. Sean Payton is rebuilding the accountable line he had created in New Orleans.

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Geno Smith has probably reached his ceiling in Seattle but J.J. McCarthy offers more upside at the position.

Los Angeles valued and maximized the versatility of Jalen Ramsey when he was on the roster. Cooper DeJean is capable of fulfilling multiple roles as well.

D.J. Reader will be a free agent at season's end and Jer'Zhan Newton would be a great complement to B.J. Hill. Newton is a high-motor player who would give Cincinnati a bit more juice rushing from the interior.

First-year head coach Jonathan Gannon gets a foundational piece to his pass rush.

Rome Odunze fills out Atlanta's skill positions but the Falcons could use a quarterback capable of distributing the football to their wealth of talent.

Amarius Mims has dealt with injuries all season but there is no question he is one of the top tackle prospects in the country when available. David Bakhtiari's tenure in Green Bay is likely drawing to a close.

Danielle Hunter and Marcus Davenport are slated to be free agents. JT Tuimoloau gives them a youthful infusion in an impact role.

Indianapolis has gotten good value out of its cornerback selections but the presence of an emerging Terrion Arnold creates functional depth at a valuable position.

Broderick Jones can flip back to the left side, which opens the door for Taliese Fuaga to slide in at right tackle. If Pittsburgh wants to be a run-heavy team with Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren, it now has the blockers to make that happen.

Houston brings in Denzel Burke to start opposite Derek Stingley Jr.

Kansas City has struggled with drops this season. Keon Coleman is a ball winner down the field but, more importantly, he has just a 1.1% drop rate on 87 targets this season.

Brian Thomas Jr. has size and speed. He is a little rough around the edges, but if he wasn't, he would be taken much earlier. Trevor Lawrence has a new weapon alongside Calvin Ridley.

Trevon Diggs and DaRon Bland are building blocks in that Dallas secondary. Tyler Nubin is a similar ballhawk. The Cowboys are becoming a no-fly zone.

Jonah Jackson and Halapoulivaati Vaitai are scheduled to be free agents after the season. Troy Fautanu has played left tackle but could be a guard at the next level. His competitive spirit will fit in well with that team.

San Francisco's offensive line is a point of weakness. Graham Barton has positional flexibility but projects to the interior at the next level.

Quinyon Mitchell is like a late first-round version of Devon Witherspoon. He is aggressive and plays the ball well. Baltimore adds a key piece to its secondary.

Robert Hunt, Connor Williams and Isaiah Wynn are free agents. Robert Jones is a restricted free agent. Big changes are potentially ahead for Miami's interior offensive line. Jordan Morgan accounts for some of that loss.

Kingsley Suamataia played right tackle for the Cougars last season and is playing left tackle in 2023. Philadelphia will value that versatility and could have a potential replacement for Lane Johnson.