Scouting quarterbacks is hard. Don’t let anybody tell you otherwise. If finding good ones were easy, the Chicago Bears would’ve done so many years ago. Selecting Caleb Williams wasn’t something GM Ryan Poles and his scouting did as an afterthought. They spent the better part of two years evaluating him, watching his tape, and learning about him through his coaches and teammates. While not a perfect prospect, he had all the necessary tools to become a blue-chip quarterback in the NFL.
That said, plenty of draft experts kept saying the same things about him. The most prominent criticism levied against Williams was his tendency to hold the ball searching for big plays, passing up easier completions in the process. Take this example from the Bleacher Report Scouting Department.
Williams is, of course, a unique playmaker. He loves to hang onto the ball, sometimes to his detriment, and hunt for the big play. While normally a sticky proposition for young quarterbacks, the consistency at which Williams delivers in those moments is astounding. He finds unique angles and is always willing to attack them because of the faith in his arm…
…Williams is a quality processor, but he sometimes gets in his own way. His affinity for the big play can mean he’ll pass up easier opportunities earlier in the down.
Well, it seems Williams only needed a month to dismiss that assessment. According to new data, the rookie is tied for second in the NFL with 86 passes of 2.5 seconds or fewer. Aaron Rodgers has the same number. That means he is getting the ball out fast. The fact he is doing it almost exclusively from the pocket says a lot.
Recent history says quarterbacks who tend to prefer scrambling will do that when they get to the NFL. Lamar Jackson and Josh Allen are recent examples. It takes a couple of years before they start making an effort to work more from the pocket. Not Williams. He seems to have made it his mission not to scramble unless given no other choice. His game against Los Angeles last week was a perfect example. There were multiple instances of him stepping up into a crowded pocket to deliver throws even when he had outlets to run.
Some may not like that, preferring he lean on his greatest gifts to start making more highlight plays. That isn’t the point. Caleb Williams is looking at the big picture. He knows that he will only become great in the NFL by mastering how to play from the pocket. That means learning the footwork, timing, and rhythm of the process. Take the check-downs when available. Don’t get greedy if nothing is there. Live for the next play. Only take out the Superman cape when necessary.
Again, rookies aren’t supposed to reach this realization after four games. This is another reminder of how smart Williams is.
