Tag: Williams

Oct 6, 2024; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) looks on against the Carolina Panthers during the fourth quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Daniel Bartel-Imagn Images

Bears GM: Rookie QB Caleb Williams ‘right where he should be’

Posted on | by Field Level Media

By Chicago Bears general manager Ryan Poles’ measurement, No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is precisely where he should be five games into his NFL career.

Williams has five touchdowns, four interceptions and three wins as the Bears land in London to square off with the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) on Sunday.

Poles said Wednesday that Williams is “right where he should be and continuing to get better” with the Bears gunning for three consecutive wins for the first time since December 2020, which included a victory over the Jaguars.

“You’ve seen that in terms of the efficiency, protecting the football, taking what (defenses have) given to him,” Poles said. “And then going into this last game, now explosives are starting to show up. So I really like his progress. I love the work ethic and the time that he’s put into it … the grit and toughness, the ability to bounce back from tough games.”

Williams is 24th in the NFL in completion percentage and has been sacked 17 times. However, Jacksonville’s pass defense is being torched consistently, allowing 956 passing yards, nine touchdowns and a completion percentage over 73 percent the past three weeks.

The Bears decided to depart for their international game on Monday night after head coach Matt Eberflus personally experienced the jet lag common from flying to Europe last summer on a trip to Italy. He said the Bears conducted two walkthrough workouts on Wednesday while they adjust to the time change in London. They plan to resume a normal work week on Thursday.

Wide receiver DJ Moore stressed the up-tempo pace the Bears are utilizing to make defenses uncomfortable has helped simplify some elements of the offense for Williams and the receivers.

He said the early arrival helped free him for a food tour and will benefit the Bears feeling ready to go on Sunday.

“Getting a win out here and going on a bye week happy is a must,” Moore said. “Back-to-back wins, just to stack those wins, keep that going for the rest of the year.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 15, 2024; Denver, Colorado, USA; Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) huddles with teammates in the first quarter against the Pittsburgh Steelers at Empower Field at Mile High. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images

Broncos stand behind rookie QB, put RBs on alert

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Broncos head coach Sean Payton wants to see improvement from rookie quarterback Bo Nix, but he’s far more concerned with the impact of Denver’s flat-lined running game.

Javonte Williams is averaging 2.1 yards per carry, with 40 yards on 19 carries and zero gains longer than nine yards, as the Broncos started the season 0-2. Payton said it’s on the coaches and offensive line to a certain extent, but put Williams on notice entering Week 3.

“I saw it in training camp,” Payton said of Williams finding his groove. “I look forward to seeing it this season. In the meantime, some of these other guys are doing a good job. (RB) Jaleel [McLaughlin] is another one that needs more touches. We talked about (RB) Tyler Badie. You’re patient, and yet at some point — and it starts up front obviously — you want to see those runs.”

Badie had one carry for 16 yards Sunday in the loss to the Steelers. He could be a more significant factor soon. Payton said it’s his responsibility to find Badie touches.

“It’s something as a play caller, as someone who’s looking at the game, I’ve got to be able to see that,” Payton said of Badie’s one splash play Sunday. “He is a player though who had his name on a lot of different plays that either were red zone or situational plays that we weren’t able to get to. It’s not intentional. It’s not like, ‘Hey we’re not aware.’ You’re just into the flow of the game and you have to be better that way.”

Payton said Nix, who has four interceptions and a 51.0 passer rating, processed the game well against Pittsburgh, even if the results — including an ill-advised red zone throw that was intercepted — don’t make his growth evident.

“A couple of things you see on tape. You see early on us struggle inside which forces him out of the pocket. Then you do see later in the second half, a cleaner pocket and then him hurry it,” Payton said. “It’s developing the confidence of climbing, developing the confidence within the framework of your protection. He does have a good pocket presence for the most part. He’s not someone that’s just going to look to take off and look to scramble. So we’ve got to build on that and make sure it kind of begins with that, relative to the design of what you’re trying to do in the drop-back passing game.”

–Field Level Media

Sep 8, 2024; Tampa, Florida, USA; Washington Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels (5) is hit by Tampa Bay Buccaneers safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (31) in the second quarter at Raymond James Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

Buccaneers missing at least three starters vs. Lions

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The Tampa Bay Buccaneers have ruled out three starters –All-Pro safety Antoine Winfield Jr. (foot, ankle), defensive tackle Calijah Kancey (calf) and right tackle Luke Goedeke (concussion) — for Sunday’s road game against the Detroit Lions.

Tampa Bay coach Todd Bowles also ruled out backup cornerback Josh Hayes (ankle), while starting cornerback Zyon McCallum and starting defensive end Logan Hall are both questionable.

McCallum has practiced all week after suffering a concussion in Week 1 but still has to clear concussion protocol. He must clear protocol by Saturday to be eligible to play Sunday. Hall missed the season opener with a foot injury.

“Zyon has some tests to pass. We’ll see how Logan feels tomorrow,” Bowles said. “I feel good about (McCollum). He’s working hard. You’ve got to pass the test, which I’m not a part of, so we’ll see.”

Reserve safety/nickelback Christian Izien is expected to fill in for Winfield, while backup/swing tackle Justin Skule will replace Goedeke. If Smith isn’t healthy by Sunday, Izien could play nickel with Kaveon Merriweather at safety, Bowles said. Ben Stille is listed as Kancey’s backup on the depth chart.

“Guys make this team for a reason,” Bowles said. “Everybody’s going to go through their lumps at some point. Better now than midseason — give some young guys and give some other guys some experience that could help us later on, so we’re going to go with what we got.”

Undrafted rookie free agent Tyrek Funderburk, who was inactive in Week 1, would replace McCollum if that latter doesn’t clear protocol.

For the Lions, safety Ifeatu Melifonwu (ankle) and wide receiver Isaiah Williams (abdomen) were ruled out, while defensive end Marcus Davenport (groin) is doubtful. Starting wide receiver Jameson Williams and starting right tackle Penei Sewell are questionable with ankle injuries, and starting safety Kerby Joseph (hamstring) is also questionable.

–Field Level Media

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) warms up prior to a game against the Kansas City Chiefs at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports

Chicago Hope: GM Ryan Poles, QB Caleb Williams determined to make Bears winners

Posted on | by Field Level Media

CHICAGO — In the NFL, nobody wins without a game-changing quarterback. The Chicago Bears understand the nuance of that statement impossibly well.

Credit general manager Ryan Poles for knowing when to fold ‘em, setting the Bears up for the league’s equivalent of winning the jackpot.

Poles positioned the Bears to contend with a three-year plan focused on finding the right quarterback and surrounding him with a supporting cast that could carry its own weight.

Caleb Williams, the No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, is the grand prize ready for his grand unveiling at Soldier Field on Sunday.

Expectations in Chicago and beyond are through the roof for Williams, who revealed snippets of the elite talent that drew Poles and the Bears to him during an abbreviated run in the preseason that included a 44-yard touchdown run and a rapid connection with draft classmate Rome Odunze.

Poles, an undrafted offensive lineman with the Bears who became a scout for the Chiefs under Scott Pioli in 2009, was in Kansas City when Patrick Mahomes was drafted in 2017. Chicago infamously drafted North Carolina quarterback Mitchell Trubisky with the No. 2 pick, eight spots ahead of Mahomes.

A number of skills and traits Williams possesses pushed the former Oklahoma and USC quarterback to the spotlight peak of the draft. He’s regularly compared to current starters — Mahomes and Justin Herbert of the Chargers to name a few — which is one indication of why the Bears believe they could be headed to unchartered territory. No Bears quarterback has delivered a 4,000-yard season or had more than 30 touchdown passes.

To land Williams, Poles benefited from a shrewd plan requiring the willingness to hit reset if Justin Fields failed to win the team over and progress in 2023. To prepare the launchpad for the franchise, Poles traded the No. 1 pick in the 2023 draft, passing on the chance to select Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson and C.J. Stroud, and started building a foundation for the potential shot at scoring a franchise quarterback in April.

First, he scouted Williams and USC up close and personal. He was there when Williams paused his pregame warmup, sprinted to the sideline and shook hands with Joe Montana. That was in October, and signs were starting to add up that the Carolina Panthers might oblige — sinking to the bottom of the NFL standings to maximize the value of the 2024 first-round pick they gave the Bears the year prior. Carolina limped to a 2-15 final record, the league’s worst, and the Bears were exactly where Poles wanted to be.

In meetings with Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, the part of the evaluation that rang in echoes was Williams’ view of being a potential savior in Chicago. He didn’t shy away. In the same way the 49ers found cool in Montana and the Bengals returned to the Super Bowl with their own one-of-a-kind Joe, Williams reminded the Bears he was built for the moment.

The lights come up Sunday in Williams’ much-anticipated debut against the Tennessee Titans, when Poles won’t be the only one with his finger on the pulse of the QB.

“I kind of say it’s their heartbeat,” Poles said. “Does their heartbeat skyrocket in those pressure situations? Or do you see this calm? We’re not going to know until we’re in it, in terms of the pro side of it. But that’s what I look for. I want the game to slow down, for there to be a level of poise, and again, I’ll go back to is there that same combination of taking what a defense gives you, leaning on your talent and then when you’re forced to be special, be special.”

Eberflus found Williams to be the antithesis of public perception labels of him in their first meetings before the draft. Called a prima donna, pariah and diva, all Williams pointed to was “getting to work” and “proving himself.”

“We’ve all been (on) teams before, but there’s people that come into those situations and they try too hard. It’s like, man, it’s awkward. It’s hard to buy into that. Then there’s guys that they can navigate that so naturally because they’re authentic, and it’s real. And that’s what he’s done,” Poles said.

Poles said it’s hard to predict what Mahomes might have done as a rookie. He sat most of the season behind Alex Smith. A big part of the reason Williams is jumping directly into the fire is the assembled cast around him with All-Pro Keenan Allen, No. 1 WR DJ Moore and Odunze sure to bring security when plans must move off-script.

Moore said Williams is “easy to follow” after watching him work. He was voted one of eight team captains for 2024, and teammates pointed back to what the former Heisman Trophy winner said at his first minicamp.

“To be a great leader, you’ve got to learn how to follow first,” he said. “Right now, I’m following all the vets, following all the coaches. I’m listening. Having both ears open, and my mouth shut. Just kind of sitting back and listening. And then when I get to the point of when I learn everything, when I learn the ways of how we do the culture, the playbook, and what the offensive line, receivers, running backs, and tight ends are all doing then you can start taking the lead.”

Front-office executives polled by ESPN picked Williams as the NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year and odds are in line with that thinking with Williams ahead of No. 2 pick Jayden Daniels of the Commanders by a wide margin.

Daniels and Bo Nix, selected 12th overall by the Broncos, are also ticketed to start and fix long-standing leaks at the position for their teams.

Drake Maye (third, Patriots), Michael Penix Jr. (eighth, Falcons) and J.J. McCarthy (10th, Vikings) are viewed as franchise quarterbacks down the line.

Not every franchise has the fortune of drafting first in a year with a talent of Williams’ kind.

And not every franchise agrees with the premise of playing the “best” player regardless of experience level. The Patriots said Maye “outplayed” journeyman Jacoby Brissett in the preseason, but there’s another side of the long view with QB development. Not every quarterback is blessed with the supporting cast Poles collected before clearing Williams for launch.

For now, Maye is heading up the “show team,” coach Jerod Mayo said, and will be asked to learn by teaching certain elements of the game plan. Mayo said he’s confident that is an effective introductory method because he used it himself as a top-10 draft pick of the Patriots.

“He’ll have certain projects and things like that that he’ll be responsible for. In saying that, he’ll still go through just a normal game week each and every week, and that’s how it’s going to be as of today,” Mayo said.

–Field Level Media

Dec 4, 2022; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers quarterback Brock Purdy (13) celebrates with offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) after a touchdown during the second quarter at Levi's Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Holdout OT Trent Williams reports, new contract expected

Posted on | by Field Level Media

All-Pro left tackle Trent Williams reported to the San Francisco 49ers and is expected to sign an adjusted contract, ending a protracted holdout in time to take the field Monday night against the New York Jets for the start of the regular season.

Williams’ agency, Elite Loyalty Sports, shared the news of his arrival in Santa Clara, Calif., at the 49ers’ headquarters to “sign a new contract” on Tuesday morning. Financial details were not immediately available.

An end to the standoff comes days after the team reached a four-year, $120 million contract agreement with wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk. Aiyuk reported to training camp to avoid accruing daily fines permitted under terms of the CBA, but staged a “hold in,” refusing to participate in practices and on-field work to avoid the risk of injury.

A first-team All-Pro each of the past three seasons, Williams made it clear to the 49ers he wasn’t suiting up for San Francisco without an adjustment to his existing contract. He was entering the fourth season of a six-year, $138.06 million deal and due $74.76 million the next three seasons. But none of the salary in the second half of his contract was guaranteed, prompting the 36-year-old Williams to stay home at the start of training camp.

Williams plays a vital role at left tackle, protecting the blindside of quarterback Brock Purdy and using his power to blast open running lanes for running back Christian McCaffrey.

Before reporting Tuesday, Williams was due to carry a cap figure of $31.6 million for 2024.

He was placed on the Did Not Report list by the 49ers on July 25. The 49ers will need to make a corresponding roster move to add Williams back to the roster move before Monday’s game.

Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, is entering his fifth season with San Francisco, which gave up third- and fifth-round picks to acquire him from Washington.

A seven-time Pro Bowl selection in nine campaigns with Washington, Williams sat out the entire 2019 season as part of a dispute with Washington over the handling of his health and injury issues, including a rare form of cancer, and his contract.

–Field Level Media

San Francisco 49ers offensive tackle Trent Williams (71) talks to the media during Super Bowl LVIII Opening Night at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lucas Peltier-USA TODAY Sports

Reports: LT Trent Williams not reporting to 49ers without contract concessions

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There are no plans for left tackle Trent Williams to reunite with the 49ers for the first time since the Super Bowl unless they agree to adjust his contract, according to multiple reports.

Williams remains a holdout 14 days before San Francisco is scheduled to host the New York Jets on “Monday Night Football” to wrap Week 1 of the regular season.

At issue is the lack of guaranteed money remaining on Williams’ contract.

He was placed on the Did Not Report list by the 49ers on July 25 but the team is facing a roster decision before 4 p.m. ET on Tuesday, when all 32 NFL teams are required to reduce their 90-man training camp rosters to 53.

Williams, an 11-time Pro Bowl selection, is owed $74.76 million over the next three seasons. None of that sum is guaranteed.

Williams cleared the midway point of six-year, $138.06 million deal and is entering the fourth year of the agreement.

“It’s something I knew could be a possibility, and I was hoping that he would be here,” 49ers coach Kyle Shanahan said of Williams last month. “But I knew it could be a possibility, and I feel pretty confident that it will all work out in the long run and he’ll be here, and we’ll get on the same page with everything. It’s just one day of practice, and I think Trent will be all right missing a few practices.”

Shanahan said last week he hoped a deal with Williams was getting close.

Williams was a first-team All-Pro in each of the past three seasons. The 36-year-old is entering his fifth season with San Francisco, which gave up third- and fifth-round picks to acquire him from Washington.

A seven-time Pro Bowl selection in nine campaigns with Washington, Williams sat out the entire 2019 season as part of a dispute with Washington over the handling of his health and injury issues, including a rare form of cancer, and his contract.

Williams has a cap figure of $31.6 million for 2024. He is stated to earn $20.05 million this season as well as $750,000 more in game-day roster bonuses.

Under terms of the existing contract, he’s due $22.5 million next season and $32.21 million in 2026.

–Field Level Media

Chicago Bears quarterback Caleb Williams (18) throws a pass in the first quarter of the NFL Preseason Week 2 game between the Chicago Bears and the Cincinnati Bengals at Soldier Field in downtown Chicago on Saturday, Aug. 17, 2024. The Bears led 10-3 at halftime.

Bears to preserve Caleb Williams, starters in preseason finale

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Caleb Williams and the majority of the Chicago Bears’ starters are done playing preseason games this summer, head coach Matt Eberflus said Tuesday.

The No. 1 pick in the 2024 draft, Williams was named the starter for the Bears in May and had 170 passing yards and 20 rushing yards with a touchdown in two brief appearances in previous preseason games this month.

A part of the first preseason game of the year, the Bears close out the preseason Thursday night against the Kansas City Chiefs, who are the first team to play — Sept. 5 against the Baltimore Ravens — in the 2024 regular season.

Eberflus said Williams has done enough to prove the Bears right about their selection of the former Southern California quarterback.

“He’s compatible personality-wise, instinct-wise with people and his willingness to learn. You know how some people, the first time you meet them it’s like, ‘Man, this guy is a know-it-all.’ You get that feeling,” Eberflus said Tuesday.

“Not about any of you guys but it kind of turns you off, right? He is not that way at all. He has tremendous success, you know, Heisman (2023), first pick in the draft, very successful as a college player. His willingness to learn is second to none. He just wants to grab the information, learn and get better. When he does have adversity, he rises to the challenge and that’s what you want from your quarterback.”

–Field Level Media

Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams holds up his jersey after being selected by the Chicago Bears as the No. 1 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bears’ Caleb Williams breaks Caitlin Clark’s merch sales record

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No. 1 pick Caleb Williams is breaking records before setting foot in Chicago.

The Bears selected the quarterback first in the NFL draft on Thursday night and his merchandise on Fanatics, including jerseys and other apparel, set the record for draft night sales in any sport, according to multiple reports.

Indiana Fever guard Caitlin Clark, the No. 1 pick in the WNBA draft on April 15, had broken the existing record 10 days earlier when her No. 22 jersey sold out in a matter of hours.

The alternate orange jersey was the only version of Williams’ new duds that was still available on Friday morning, and exclusively in size 2XL. His navy jersey was available only in youth sizes.

Williams switched from his jersey number at USC (13) to No. 18 with the Bears, the team announced Thursday night.

Newly acquired wide receiver Keenan Allen, traded to the Bears by the Los Angeles Chargers, is expected to wear No. 13.

Quarterbacks Mike Tomczak and Kyle Orton previously wore No. 18 for the Bears, as did wide receiver Dante Pettis more recently.

–Field Level Media

Apr 25, 2024; Detroit, MI, USA; Southern California Trojans quarterback Caleb Williams poses with NFL commissioner Roger Goodell after being selected by the Chicago Bears as the No. 1 pick in the first round of the 2024 NFL Draft at Campus Martius Park and Hart Plaza. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Caleb Williams joins Bears as QBs go 1-2-3 at NFL draft

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Led by Southern California signal-caller Caleb Williams, three quarterbacks proved to be the top three picks at the 2024 NFL Draft on Thursday night in Detroit.

The Chicago Bears made Williams the No. 1 overall pick. He became the second USC quarterback drafted with the top pick, joining Carson Palmer (2003, Cincinnati Bengals).

“To be able to be here, it’s an honor,” Williams said on NFL Network after the Bears called his name. “I’m very privileged.”

After winning the 2022 Heisman Trophy, Williams passed for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions for the Trojans in 2023.

The Washington Commanders followed by drafting LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels at No. 2 overall. Daniels won the Heisman last season, when he threw for 3,812 yards, 40 touchdowns and only four interceptions while adding 1,134 rushing yards and 10 scores.

“I’m here to get to work,” Daniels said on the broadcast. “… I’m a competitor, a hard worker. I can’t wait to meet my new teammates.”

At No. 3, the New England Patriots turned down trade suitors and kept the pick to select North Carolina quarterback Drake Maye. The 6-foot-4, 230-pounder passed for 3,608 yards, 24 touchdowns and nine interceptions last season.

“Let’s go,” Maye said on the broadcast. “I’m ready to go compete. I’m ready to get to New England. We’re going to have a blast.”

The early sequence marked the fourth time in NFL history that teams have selected quarterbacks with each of the top three picks. It also happened in 1971, 1999 and 2021, when Trevor Lawrence, Zach Wilson and Trey Lance went in the top three.

The Arizona Cardinals added Ohio State wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. with the fourth pick. Harrison, the son of Pro Football Hall of Famer Marvin Harrison Sr., has drawn comparisons to legendary Cardinals wideout Larry Fitzgerald Jr.

Harrison Jr. said he was confident that he would be the first wideout selected.

“I just had trust in my abilities,” he said on the broadcast. “I worked so hard to get to this point.”

At No. 5, the Los Angeles Chargers bolstered their offensive line by selecting Notre Dame left tackle Joe Alt. It marked the first pick under new coach Jim Harbaugh.

The New York Giants picked the second wideout of the draft when they added playmaker Malik Nabers from LSU with the sixth overall pick.

–Field Level Media

NFL Draft prospect Caleb Williams walks the red carpet for NFL Draft day at the Fox Theatre in Detroit on Thursday, April 25, 2024.

Bears take QB Caleb Williams No. 1 in NFL draft

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Southern California quarterback Caleb Williams was selected No. 1 in the 2024 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears, as the expected became official when commissioner Roger Goodell made the announcement on Thursday in Detroit.

“I’m ready,” Williams said Wednesday in a public appearance on the eve of the draft. “I did dream of this. I set my goals. I went after it. I got here.”

Williams won the 2022 Heisman Trophy and is the third quarterback drafted in the first round by the Bears since 2017, following Mitchell Trubisky (second overall, 2017) and Justin Fields (11th, 2021).

General manager Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus arrived on the scene after those failed or incomplete QB experiments.

Their lack of success fed Poles’ plan to find his way to a franchise passer. Quarterbacks have been selected No. 1 overall in six of the past seven drafts.

The Bears received the No. 1 pick in this draft as a result of a March 2023 trade with the Carolina Panthers.

Chicago traded the No. 1 pick in last year’s draft for Carolina’s original selection in 2023 and more, including the Panthers’ first-rounder in 2024. After plummeting to the bottom of the NFL standings last season, it was Carolina that landed the No. 1 pick, which was relayed to the Bears to complete the trade.

With the stage set, Poles slow-played a decision on Fields’ future but ultimately opted for a reset to execute his vision of finding the franchise a long-term answer at quarterback.

Chicago also started Thursday night with its own 2024 first-round pick, No. 9 overall.

Williams passed for 3,633 yards, 30 touchdowns and five interceptions for the Trojans in 2023. He passed for 4,537 yards, 42 touchdowns with five interceptions in 2022.

Expectations are sky-high for Williams, who arrives anointed the QB1 following the March trade of Fields to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Williams took only one pre-draft visit to an NFL team — the Bears — and met with the team on three occasions in the pre-draft buildup to Thursday night.

The Bears offer a stellar supporting cast for an incoming rookie. DJ Moore had a team-best 96 receptions for 1,364 yards with eight touchdowns in 2023 in his first season in Chicago. He was acquired in the 2023 trade with the Panthers.

Chicago also added Chargers wide receiver Keenan Allen in a trade this offseason and signed free agent running back D’Andre Swift from the Eagles.

Opinions on Williams vary, and many draft analysts questioned his personality when raising doubts about the live-armed athlete who has drawn comparisons to Chiefs All-Pro Patrick Mahomes.

Williams’ blue-chip talent appears to be universally appreciated. Former Colts general manager Bill Polian, who selected Peyton Manning over Ryan Leaf in 1998, summarized the polarizing debate around Williams, noting, “The better the arm, the harder the lessons.”

The Bears drafted No. 1 overall for the third time in team history and first since selecting Oklahoma A&M running back Bob Fenimore in 1947. With the top pick in 1941, Chicago drafted Michigan running back Tom Harmon. Harmon instead opted to play in the American Football League with the New York Americans. He’s the father of actor and former UCLA quarterback Mark Harmon.

Williams becomes the sixth USC player selected No. 1 overall, joining offensive tackle Ron Yary (1968, Minnesota Vikings), running back O.J. Simpson (1969, Buffalo Bills), running back Ricky Bell (1977, Tampa Bay Buccaneers), wide receiver Keyshawn Johnson (1996, New York Jets) and Carson Palmer (2003, Cincinnati Bengals).

–Field Level Media