Boomer Esiason says USC quarterback Caleb Williams is going to be the next NFL superstar that teams will be clamoring for in next year’s draft, which could create such a craze that the draft format as we know it could be tossed aside.
That’s right, Boomer says he is “sure” the league is discussing possibly implementing a draft lottery to counter the race to the bottom that some teams may elect to take in order to try and land Williams as their next franchise centerpiece.
“This is the next generational, can’t-miss quarterback coming out of college,” Boomer said of Williams, who figures to be atop every draft board in 2024. “Everybody’s gonna be racing for that first pick next year. It’s going to be interesting to see if the NFL puts in a lottery before next year’s draft.”
Gio couldn’t imagine the NFL putting in a lottery that quickly, and making a change that seismic in response to the demand for one touted prospect, but Boomer believes talks to join the NBA and NHL in having a draft lottery are likely underway.
“I’m just saying, these are discussions that I’m sure are being had,” Boomer said. “I don’t know how it would work. I don’t know if it would be the top five teams that have the weighted lottery system or whatever. Something along those lines.
“They would have to vote for it. I don’t know if teams would go for it or not. That’s another interesting thing.”
Boomer’s belief isn’t farfetched. Sean Payton, former head coach and Super Bowl champion, said something similar last month in regards to Williams and how he could lead the league to starting a draft lottery. It could be used as a means to avoid all-out tanking and a race for last, while also driving up interest towards the end of the season among teams that are long out of the playoff race. As Gio noted, it would also give the NFL another marquee event for fans to tune in for.
“That’s really the bottom line here,” Boomer said. “How do we make it even more interesting?”
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