Malik Willis Will Be The First QB Made In The NFL Draft

On Tuesday, the media gathered with NFL offices and coaches to watch the first practice session of the 2022 Senior Bowl. Malik Willis stood out among the others.

MOBILE – It took an afternoon to find out Malik Willis will be the top quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Willis, 22, was one of six quarterbacks who took part in the first day of practice for the 2022 Senior Bowl in Mobile, Alabama. While Pittsburgh’s Kenny Pickett, North Carolina’s Sam Howell, Nevada’s Carson Strong and Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder have all had glimpses of potential, none quite like Willis.

Difference? Arm strength. Although each of the above callers had their respective weapons, Willis still threw missile after missile, hitting various routes and depths. It was an impressive performance, although it included a series of imprecise shots and more hitable rockets.

No problem. Anyone who understands the psychology of an NFL employee knows this: arm strength can’t be taught, but a little dexterity can. There are limitations with a midfielder who cannot throw the entire route, and while Willis has a lot to prove, the ability to throw outside the numbers and deep yards is not in his interest.

At Liberty, Willis played below standard. After two years on the bench at Auburn, he moved in and began the last two seasons for the Flames. Here’s how those campaigns stack up:

Year 2020: 64.2%… 2,250 yards passing… 20 TDs… 6 INTs… 944 dashing yards… 14 TDs (10 games)
Year 2021: 61.1%… 2,857 passing yards… 27 ​​TDs… 12 INTs… 878 dashing yards… 13 TDs (13 games)

Malik Willis could be the quarterback with the best prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft

Does Willis deserve to be the first leg pick? Hard to say. His skill set is well-suited for today’s NFL with the ability to maneuver while also having a rocket arm. Also, at 6 feet and 220 pounds, size and endurance are equations for a player who loves to run. Furthermore, the concerns about accuracy are legitimate, and his stats are nothing to worry about, especially when you factor in the face schedule.

And yet, one of Willis’ best games at Liberty was during the 2020 Cure Bowl against the 9th-placed Coastal Carolina Chanticleers. Transfer ratings for the quartet of touches during throws and passes for 137 yards each. Liberty won in extra time, 37-34, and Willis was named the game’s MVP.

In a perfect world, Willis would be treated with Trey Lance. A team selects him, gives the youngster a year to develop and then finally takes over the main job in 2023. Who fits this bill? Atlanta Falcons, Washington Football Team, Minnesota Vikings, Pittsburgh Steelers and Cleveland Browns among others.

Finally, in a year where many NFL executives believe the quarterback pool is pretty shallow, Willis’ raw talent could land him in the top half of the first round.