The 2022 NFL Draft class isn’t expected to produce any superstars at quarterback. However, there are some players with potential. One name to watch closely is Liberty’s Malik Willis.
College Career
Willis spent the first two seasons of his college career at Auburn. He was a backup and used primarily as a runner, throwing just 14 passes over two seasons. Willis then transferred to Liberty, sitting out the 2019 season before becoming the starter in 2020. During his two seasons as the starter, Willis helped Liberty reach a whole new level, going 17-6 over those two seasons, including a 10-1 season in 2020.
In his two seasons for the Flames, Willis threw for over 5,000 yards with 47 touchdown passes and 18 interceptions. He also ran for over 1,800 yards and 27 rushing touchdowns, becoming arguably the best dual-threat quarterback in the country in 2021.
Pros
Willis has an almost ideal blend of arm strength and athleticism. He has a cannon of an arm and has no problem getting the ball downfield. Willis also possesses elite athleticism that only a handful of current NFL quarterbacks (perhaps less) can match or exceed.
He moves well in the pocket and can be dangerous when he gets into the open field. While he’s not the biggest quarterback at 6’1’’, Willis is well built, almost in the mold of Russell Wilson, meaning he should be able to sustain some hits if defenders can catch him once he gets in the open field.
Cons
Even with all of the physical tools in the world, Willis still needs some work with the mental side of the game and his decision-making. He is sometimes too quick to run with the ball and take hits rather than continue through his progressions. At times, Willis forces the ball and makes risky passes rather than taking the safer option. Also, his accuracy went from 64.2% in 2020 down to 61.1% in 2021.
Willis lacks the kind of pinpoint accuracy that above-average NFL quarterbacks possess, which is something he will need to improve. It’s also worth mentioning that Willis didn’t face a lot of power-conference opponents during his two seasons at Liberty, although he also wasn’t working with a quality offensive line or group of receivers.
Projection
Given his athleticism and arm strength, Willis might have the biggest upside of any quarterback in the 2022 NFL Draft. He will be able to run RPOs, giving opposing defenses headaches because of his ability to break containment and pick up yards in the open field. However, while the arm strength is there, Willis has a lot of work ahead of him to become a competent NFL passer.
It could take a little time for him to fully grasp the intellectual side of the game while also shoring up his decision-making and accuracy. He should be drafted in the top half of the first round, potentially in the top-10. But much like Trey Lance last year, the team that drafts him shouldn’t expect him to become their starter right away.