USC quarterback Caleb Williams, the perceived No. 1 pick at the 2024 NFL Draft, arrived in Indianapolis for the scouting combine on Wednesday where he will begin meeting with interested teams.
Both the New York Giants and Jets are two of them, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
The Giants hold the No. 6 overall pick while the Jets are at No. 10. It’s a foregone conclusion that Williams will be off the board by the time either of the two local teams pick — he’s slated to go No. 1 overall to the Chicago Bears, who are expected to move on from the Justin Fields experiment.
But both teams’ interest certainly suggests that they are keeping their eyes and ears firmly focused on the quarterback market with the draft less than two months away.
Rapoport’s report comes just one day after Giants general manager Joe Schoen reaffirmed his faith in Daniel Jones as the main man under center for Big Blue despite the looming team option in the quarterback’s contract that awaits after the 2024 season.
Jones regressed mightily thanks to injuries and one of the worst offensive lines in NFL history, but his limited time on the field in 2023 was underwhelming, regardless. This could simply be due diligence from Schoen, but he will have an opportunity to draft a potential franchise quarterback of the future, like LSU Heisman Trophy winner Jayden Daniels, in the first round. Should they go that avenue, Jones’ days would appear to be numbered.
It would be a shock if the Jets selected a quarterback in the first round considering Aaron Rodgers will be healthy for what they hope will be for more than four snaps in 2024. Their biggest need is on the offensive line as a complete overhaul is expected to occur this summer.
General manager Joe Douglass will understandably keep the future in mind. Rodgers is 40 years old and a legitimate protegee not named Zach Wilson will be something to address.
