Every year, a new wave of football players emerge from college to the NFL draft. In the 2022 class, a handful of prospects stand out. With talent ranging from quarterbacks to defensive linemen, these may one day become the new faces of the National Football League (NFL).
One prospect that stands above the others is Malik Willis. The quarterback has been one of the most polarizing players in the coming draft. Standing 6 feet 1 inch tall and built within a 225-pound frame, he is projected as a mid to late first-round pick.
Willis finished his 2021 season for the Liberty Flames with 2,857 yards to add to 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. On the ground, he recorded 878 yards along with 13 scores. While the passing numbers leave something to be desired, Willis’ rushing numbers set him apart from the pack.
Much like Lamar Jackson or Kyler Murray, Willis uses his legs to make plays and escape the pocket to avoid pressure. This may serve to benefit his draft stock, as prototypical field generals such as Tom Brady and Peyton Manning have slowly begun to fade out in favor of more dynamic playmakers.
At the NFL level, many athletic quarterbacks have seen success. Jackson, the aforementioned Ravens quarterback, saw his 2019 season earn him an MVP award. He had put up arguably the best rushing season by a quarterback in league history with 1,206 yards on the ground and 7 touchdowns.
Although Malik Willis fulfills the athleticism checkbox, he still has to develop as a passer. The consensus on Willis is that he has a strong arm but often struggles with accuracy. CBS Sports columnist Chris Trapasso likened his passing ability to Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen.
Put simply, Willis is the most talented quarterback in this class.
— Mel Kiper Jr.
“Willis has game-altering arm talent, and he’s a dynamic, powerful runner with the football in his hands. His decision-making is questionable at times. He played at a smaller school. His auditions against Power 5 schools were duds. All very Allen-like,” Trapasso wrote.
With the pro comparisons and the obvious talent, Malik Willis’ draft upside is apparent, and most evaluators tend to agree.
“If things go the way it’s trending, could still be the first quarterback taken on talent,” draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. said.
For Willis, the ideal landing situation would be a team that can utilize his skill set as a runner while allowing him to progress as a thrower of the football. So far, the Washington Commanders and Atlanta Falcons have emerged as top suitors for him. Draft analysts and sports fans alike will have to wait until April 28 to see which team takes a gamble on Malik Willis.
