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QB Malik Willis, TEN (1 Viewer)

I won’t even pretend to know how to evaluate this weird QB class. If the Lions think one of these QBs is the real deal, they need to do whatever it takes to get him. However, I do feel very comfortable going DE-WR-S to start the draft. If the Lions can go Thibo/Walker then Pickens then Cine it would probably be an ideal start to the draft for me.
that’s the key isn’t it? If they believe one of these guys is the real deal. I wouldn’t say taking Willis 1.02 is clearly a mistake. If he lives up to his raw potential he could be really good. (I just don’t think he does)

 
that’s the key isn’t it? If they believe one of these guys is the real deal. I wouldn’t say taking Willis 1.02 is clearly a mistake. If he lives up to his raw potential he could be really good. (I just don’t think he does)
Right and I can’t even pretend like I know whether Willis will work in the NFL. He’s so crazy talented but it was Liberty and he didn’t exactly dominate. But he also had a weak supporting cast. It’s so hard to navigate all that. 

 
Right and I can’t even pretend like I know whether Willis will work in the NFL. He’s so crazy talented but it was Liberty and he didn’t exactly dominate. But he also had a weak supporting cast. It’s so hard to navigate all that. 
I’ve said it before the season, but I maintain that his transferring from Auburn as a junior, partly because he wasn’t going to start over freshman Bo Nix, isn’t a great sign. He can definitely outgrow that and he wouldn’t be the first NFL starting QB to transfer due to playing time. He seems like a good kid, I’ll actually cheer for him if he’s Lion or any team outside the AFC south. 

 
I’ve said it before the season, but I maintain that his transferring from Auburn as a junior, partly because he wasn’t going to start over freshman Bo Nix, isn’t a great sign. He can definitely outgrow that and he wouldn’t be the first NFL starting QB to transfer due to playing time. He seems like a good kid, I’ll actually cheer for him if he’s Lion or any team outside the AFC south. 
Yeah his ability to hit short and medium throws over the middle seems like a major problem. 

 
Draft Kings Sportsbook gives Liberty QB Malik Willis +350 odds to be drafted by three separate teams.

None of the three teams with +350 odds to draft Willis (6'1/215) are a surprise. The Lions, Steelers, and Falcons all are in need of a quarterback and have been either linked directly to Willis or the fit makes sense. The Panthers also have good odds via Draft Kings at +250, but the relationship between Matt Rhule and Pitt's Kenny Pickett makes things a little more complicated. There is a lot to like with Willis, offering elite arm talent and a high floor with his rushing ability.

SOURCE: Pro Football Network

Mar 28, 2022, 9:19 PM ET

 
assuming hutch goes 1.01, I’ll take Thibodeaux and Coral over Willis and Dean or whomever is BPA.  But Coral probably won’t be there at 32 and I’d pass on QB this year. 
What if you could draft Ridder at #66? Or Strong at #97? Or even Zappe at #181? I've seen all those guys drafted at those spots in different mocks, which admittedly doesn't mean much. But assuming those guys were there would they interest you at those picks? While I don't always agree with PFF I do agree with the idea NFL teams should be drafting and developing more QBs.

Admittedly, I've been following Ridder for quite some time and he's probably my favorite projects in this draft. The only reason I suggested drafting him at #32 is to get the 5th year option and because DET also holds pick #34. It wouldn't be absolutely SHOCKING to me if Strong ended up the best QB in this class, but it's also completely possible imo that the best QB in this class just ends up being a good backup QB in the NFL.

People will always shout, "If Strong gets drafted that late then history shows he's THIS unlikely to be an All-Pro that leads his team to multiple SB victories" and may answer is SO WHAT? Maybe he's only a solid backup in the NFL. Maybe he's a solid place holder while you re-work the rest of the entire roster so a QB in next years draft has the protection and receivers to actually be successful. Maybe he's a bust as pick #97(history has shown us plenty of those at nearly every position. If you draft a QB #1 overall it's still unlikely he'll ever win a SB.

The only teams that shouldn't be developing a backup QB imo are the teams that are legitimately making a realistic run for the SB. If you are LA, KC, BUF, GB... yeah, I get having a vet that might have to fill in a few weeks. 

 
What if you could draft Ridder at #66? Or Strong at #97? Or even Zappe at #181? I've seen all those guys drafted at those spots in different mocks, which admittedly doesn't mean much. But assuming those guys were there would they interest you at those picks? While I don't always agree with PFF I do agree with the idea NFL teams should be drafting and developing more QBs.

Admittedly, I've been following Ridder for quite some time and he's probably my favorite projects in this draft. The only reason I suggested drafting him at #32 is to get the 5th year option and because DET also holds pick #34. It wouldn't be absolutely SHOCKING to me if Strong ended up the best QB in this class, but it's also completely possible imo that the best QB in this class just ends up being a good backup QB in the NFL.

People will always shout, "If Strong gets drafted that late then history shows he's THIS unlikely to be an All-Pro that leads his team to multiple SB victories" and may answer is SO WHAT? Maybe he's only a solid backup in the NFL. Maybe he's a solid place holder while you re-work the rest of the entire roster so a QB in next years draft has the protection and receivers to actually be successful. Maybe he's a bust as pick #97(history has shown us plenty of those at nearly every position. If you draft a QB #1 overall it's still unlikely he'll ever win a SB.

The only teams that shouldn't be developing a backup QB imo are the teams that are legitimately making a realistic run for the SB. If you are LA, KC, BUF, GB... yeah, I get having a vet that might have to fill in a few weeks. 
 


At those picks, to be backups, sure. I agree with your post entirely. Aqeel Glass is intriguing as a developmental late round pick. 

 
 Aqeel Glass is intriguing as a developmental late round pick. 
Hadn't even heard of that guy, honestly. Good find. I'll pay attention to where he lands. It's amazing to me how many people ignore all the players that are added to a team after day 2 of the draft.

While I don't listen to the audible podcast very often, probably my favorite single segment on that show(assuming they still do it) is then they talk about each teams draft INCLUDING the undrafted players. At least at one time you got almost no analysis of those late adds anywhere else.

 
Hadn't even heard of that guy, honestly. Good find. I'll pay attention to where he lands. It's amazing to me how many people ignore all the players that are added to a team after day 2 of the draft.

While I don't listen to the audible podcast very often, probably my favorite single segment on that show(assuming they still do it) is then they talk about each teams draft INCLUDING the undrafted players. At least at one time you got almost no analysis of those late adds anywhere else.
I’m not even sure he’ll be drafted, but he played less than 30 minutes from my home and has some raw potential. The past two years have been tough for small school programs 

 
The Athletic mocked Liberty QB Malik Willis to the Carolina Panthers in their latest mock draft.

Willis has been mocked all over the top-10 in recent weeks, but recent news of the Panthers feeling forced to go QB in the first round should add to the Panthers/Willis hype. Head coach Matt Rhule is on the hot seat after a 10-23 start to his career, and is in need of a savior, but Willis may not be ready come Week 1. Willis possesses the most upside of any quarterback in this year's class, but if he isn't ready to start until 2023, it may not be Rhule calling the shots when Willis' time comes. 

SOURCE: The Athletic

Mar 30, 2022, 8:52 PM ET

 
Liberty QB Malik Willis tied Lamar Jackson with the most missed tackles by a QB since 2014. 

Willis (6'1"/215) forced 140 missed tackles, tying Lamar Jackson amongst QBs since. Lamar Jackson has been an unquestioned success at the NFL level, and much of that is tied to his escapability and insane speed. If Willis can even harness 80% of Lamar's running ability, combined with his howitzer of an arm, and he'll have every tool to be a hit in the NFL as well. 

SOURCE: PFF Draft on Twitter

Mar 31, 2022, 12:15 PM ET

 
NBC Sports' Peter King believes Liberty QB Malik Willis "needs a redshirt year under a smart QB coach like Arthur Smith."

King has the Falcons taking Willis with the eighth pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. In King's scenario, Willis would sit in favor of journeyman QB Marcus Mariota in 2022 before taking over as starter in 2023. There's not much reason to believe Mariota can make it through an entire season without getting injured or benched though. King said Willis "needs to be schooled in working his progressions most importantly." Willis would almost certainly get a few starts if Atlanta -- embarking on a years-long roster rebuild -- takes him in the first round. Willis, a raw prospect, has major upside, per ESPN's Todd McShay, who said in February that Willis is "more athletic, a more dynamic athlete and he definitely has a stronger arm" than Jalen Hurts. 

RELATED: 

Marcus Mariota

, Atlanta Falcons

SOURCE: MMQB

Apr 4, 2022, 10:19 AM ET

 
ESPN's Adam Schefter reports that Malik Willis is scheduled to meet with the Panthers and Falcons.

The Panthers hold the No. 6 pick in the draft, with the Falcons at No. 8. Willis will meet with other teams and has already met with the Steelers, Saints, Giants, and Titans. Still, it's notable that two teams in the top 10 are showing clear interest in the Liberty quarterback. Willis has generated top 10 buzz throughout the pre-draft process, given his rocket arm, pinpoint placement on deep throws, and high-end rushing ability. Willis also has major red flags, most notably his propensity to take sacks and lack of intermediate production. Daniel Jeremiah did not include Willis in his late-March first-round mock draft, and Peter King believes that he will need a full redshirt season. If Willis is selected top 10, his franchise is very likely to commit to developing him, even if it takes multiple coaching regimes.

SOURCE: Adam Schefter on Twitter

Apr 4, 2022, 2:15 PM ET

 
So he's inaccurate (ranked 31st in this QB class) and amassed rushing yards against arm tackles from the likes of Campbell, Troy, Middle Tenn, UL Monroe, North Texas and Mass.  And he couldn't beat out Jarret Stidham who though highly rated, even before he was hurt was able to complete all of 24 passes in the NFL.   

I really do wish Willis well. Sounds like he's a decent kid.   I just don't see latching my #1 pick to an inaccurate passer.  Someone will.  I just wouldn't.

 
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Off the top of my head there are about 4 QBs from lower schools that played weaker opponents that are NFL relevant.

  • Carson Wentz
  • Jimmy G
  • Trey Lance
  • Taylor Heinicke
And teams keep trying to move away from Wentz and Jimmy G.  WAS moved away from Heinicke.  Lance is still an unknown but certainly wasn't NFL ready.  One could maybe argue Daniel Jones played against lower level because of Duke's out of conference schedule.   But every other NFL QB I can think of played in a major conference ... against fast, skilled and strong players.  And with fast, strong and skilled players.  The odds just aren't good at QB if you didn't play with or against top tier college tallent.

 
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I've seen recent mocks with no QBs taken in the 1st round. That has to be a joke.

Willis is going no later than 6 whether he deserves it or not.
This is one of the worst QB classes that I have ever seen. It's certainly possible. Willis is an intriguing prospect but I think there has only been 1 other Liberty player ever drafted in the first round and that was back in 1990. 

 
Off the top of my head there are about 4 QBs from lower schools that played weaker opponents that are NFL relevant.

  • Carson Wentz
  • Jimmy G
  • Trey Lance
  • Taylor Heinicke
And teams keep trying to move away from Wentz and Jimmy G.  WAS moved away from Heinicke.  Lance is still an unknown but certainly wasn't NFL ready.  One could maybe argue Daniel Jones played against lower level because of Duke's out of conference schedule.   But every other NFL QB I can think of played in a major conference ... against fast, skilled and strong players.  And with fast, strong and skilled players.  The odds just aren't good at QB if you didn't play with or against top tier college tallent.
You and I may have differing opinions on just how grueling the University of Wyoming schedule is.

 
I've seen recent mocks with no QBs taken in the 1st round. That has to be a joke.

Willis is going no later than 6 whether he deserves it or not.
I agree here. So many teams are desperate to find THE GUY on that rookie QB contract... and a lot of teams should be. Not saying I'd spend a top 10 pick for any of these scratcher tickets but any team would be silly if they didn't trade up to the back of round 1 not only to ensure they get "their guy" but to get the 5th year option.

This draft reminds me of the 2014 draft in that there is a different flavor for every taste. After months of watching film some bleary eyed decision maker is going to convince himself that one guy is a diamond in the rough.

SOMEONE will most likely get way over drafted. (Blake Bortles #3)

SOMEONE will get way underdrafted. (Jimmy G #62 or Derek Carr #36)

SOMEONE will just simply be a bust(either because of skill or they were a fagazy or both). (Johny Manziel #22)

SOMEONE will get drafted JUST RIGHT. (Teddy Bridgewater #32)

The fun part is trying to guess how these shake out in 2022. Before the draft here is my guess for each, but my guesses will obviously really change after we see landing spots.....

SOMEONE will most likely get way over drafted. (Willis)

SOMEONE will get way underdrafted. (Howell/Strong)

SOMEONE will just simply be a bust(either because of skill or they were a fagazy or both). (Pickett)

SOMEONE will get drafted JUST RIGHT. (Used to be Ridder but now leaning toward Corral)

Those are my guesses. TODAY. I'd be interested to hear other guesses!

 
This is one of the worst QB classes that I have ever seen. It's certainly possible. Willis is an intriguing prospect but I think there has only been 1 other Liberty player ever drafted in the first round and that was back in 1990. 
Absolutely 0% chance no QB’s go in the 1st round, bad class or not. 

 
Off the top of my head there are about 4 QBs from lower schools that played weaker opponents that are NFL relevant.

  • Carson Wentz
  • Jimmy G
  • Trey Lance
  • Taylor Heinicke
And teams keep trying to move away from Wentz and Jimmy G.  WAS moved away from Heinicke.  Lance is still an unknown but certainly wasn't NFL ready.  One could maybe argue Daniel Jones played against lower level because of Duke's out of conference schedule.   But every other NFL QB I can think of played in a major conference ... against fast, skilled and strong players.  And with fast, strong and skilled players.  The odds just aren't good at QB if you didn't play with or against top tier college tallent.
Ben Roethlisberger played at Miami of Ohio.

 
This is one of the worst QB classes that I have ever seen. It's certainly possible. Willis is an intriguing prospect but I think there has only been 1 other Liberty player ever drafted in the first round and that was back in 1990. 
Eric Green was something behold. 

 
Ben Roethlisberger played at Miami of Ohio.


The last time he was relevant was like 2014.  And he's retired so I didn't count him.  Point is with internet and videos of all these kids available, major colleges don't miss on QB recruits that much these days.  It isn't the days of Terry Bradshaw coming out of LA Tech.

Bolt Backer is right on Josh Allen though.  Forgot about him.  Wyoming plays a better schedule than Liberty but it still isn's top tier.  And his HS recruiting ranking was not that high.

 
Absolutely 0% chance no QB’s go in the 1st round, bad class or not. 
I'm looking at the prospects and I think there is a reasonable chance that no QBs are selected in the first round. None of these guys are better than Carson Wentz or Jimmy G. This is a very uninspiring QB class, one the worst in the last 15 years. These are all long term backups at best, there are no starters in this group. 

 
I'm looking at the prospects and I think there is a reasonable chance that no QBs are selected in the first round. None of these guys are better than Carson Wentz or Jimmy G. This is a very uninspiring QB class, one the worst in the last 15 years. These are all long term backups at best, there are no starters in this group. 
That may be true, but we see QB’s get overdrafted every single year. 

 
That may be true, but we see QB’s get overdrafted every single year. 
That's very true. For me, it's difficult to predict how this group will perform at the next level. Currently I have Carson Strong as my top QB prospect and I'm not convinced he will be a long term starter. Last year, it was Mac Jones for me, but I just don't see a very strong group here. 

 
I'm looking at the prospects and I think there is a reasonable chance that no QBs are selected in the first round. None of these guys are better than Carson Wentz or Jimmy G. This is a very uninspiring QB class, one the worst in the last 15 years. These are all long term backups at best, there are no starters in this group. 
I think your assessment on the players is spot on. But there’s virtually no chance of there being no QB taken in round one. 

 
TwinTurbo said:
That's very true. For me, it's difficult to predict how this group will perform at the next level. Currently I have Carson Strong as my top QB prospect and I'm not convinced he will be a long term starter. Last year, it was Mac Jones for me, but I just don't see a very strong group here. 
I agree that this years prospects are extremely…uninspiring. But like I said, we see this literally every year. Quarterbacks get overdrafted, often way overdrafted. I think there’s virtually a 0% chance at least one isn’t taken in the first round. If I’m betting, I’d say two go at least-Malik and Pickett would be by guesses. 

 
TwinTurbo said:
I'm looking at the prospects and I think there is a reasonable chance that no QBs are selected in the first round. None of these guys are better than Carson Wentz or Jimmy G. This is a very uninspiring QB class, one the worst in the last 15 years. These are all long term backups at best, there are no starters in this group. 
I think this is pushing it a little bit. I'd take a shot on any of Willis, Howell, Pickett, Corral, or Ridder, over Jimmy G or Wentz, especially Willis and Howell. I think by now we can close the book on Wentz and especially Jimmy G being a difference making QB. Mayfield maybe, but he's more in with the rookie group, than above it to me.  

I don't disagree that its a down year for the QB class, but that is because there is no sure thing type guy. There is a lot of raw talent here. I'd take this group overall over the 2019 class. There is no Murray sure, but I think all 5 rookies I mentioned are better prospects than Daniel Jones was. 

I'd bet between 2-4 QBs go in round 1. 

 
Bucky had him going #6 in his mock yesterday... Cackling.

None are first rounders, none were first rounders... Then he throws the ball far downfield and now he's #6.... God, this league...

 
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I agree that it is highly unlikely there will be no QBs drafted in the first round - just not the way the NFL works any more.

I do think that they might slip down farther than expected though if the Panthers (#6), Falcons (#8) or Seahawks (#9) don't take one. And not sure those three teams will think that Willis (or Pickett) is better than what they have given all their other needs - especially Carolina that doesn't pick again until #137. 

 
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I'm guessing there will be a QB run near the end of the first round because teams will be thinking about having that fifth year option. Good opportunity for last year's playoff teams to make some deals and enrich themselves.

 
According to Pro Football Focus Michael Renner, Liberty QB Malik Willis has the strongest arm in the draft.

This isn't even an opinion, it's science. At the Senior Bowl and Combine, Willis had the best ball measurements of any quarterback in this upcoming draft. If you look at his throws from every point during this predraft process, he can absolutely sling it. There's a tape of him sending the ball 75 yards on a dime and that's amazing. He didn't use his arm as much in college as some of the others and is the quintessential mobile quarterback, but if he can bring that arm strength along with using it to make dynamic and accurate throws, while begin able to read coverage at the level, the sky is the limit

SOURCE: PFF

Apr 6, 2022, 9:13 PM ET

 
Liberty QB Malik Willis has scheduled visits with the Falcons, Panthers, and Colts scheduled for next week.

One of the most popular players at the top of the draft, Willis (6'1/215) has a draft stock that is all over the place. He could go high as second overall while potentially sliding outside of the top ten. His scheduled visits are a good reflection of his stock. Next week, he will be visiting two teams in the top ten and one more that doesn't pick until 42. Teams are doing their due diligence in trying to find out more about the dynamic playmaker.

SOURCE: Ian Rapoport

Apr 7, 2022, 3:46 PM ET

 
Off the top of my head there are about 4 QBs from lower schools that played weaker opponents that are NFL relevant.

  • Carson Wentz
  • Jimmy G
  • Trey Lance
  • Taylor Heinicke
And teams keep trying to move away from Wentz and Jimmy G.  WAS moved away from Heinicke.  Lance is still an unknown but certainly wasn't NFL ready.  One could maybe argue Daniel Jones played against lower level because of Duke's out of conference schedule.   But every other NFL QB I can think of played in a major conference ... against fast, skilled and strong players.  And with fast, strong and skilled players.  The odds just aren't good at QB if you didn't play with or against top tier college tallent.
Josh Allen?

 
Off the top of my head there are about 4 QBs from lower schools that played weaker opponents that are NFL relevant.

  • Carson Wentz
  • Jimmy G
  • Trey Lance
  • Taylor Heinicke
And teams keep trying to move away from Wentz and Jimmy G.  WAS moved away from Heinicke.  Lance is still an unknown but certainly wasn't NFL ready.  One could maybe argue Daniel Jones played against lower level because of Duke's out of conference schedule.   But every other NFL QB I can think of played in a major conference ... against fast, skilled and strong players.  And with fast, strong and skilled players.  The odds just aren't good at QB if you didn't play with or against top tier college tallent.
If you’re going to include Heinicke, don’t you have to include Zach Wilson? I mean BYU is a far cry from OSU or Alabama. 

 
If you’re going to include Heinicke, don’t you have to include Zach Wilson? I mean BYU is a far cry from OSU or Alabama. 
BYU has produced over 150 NFL players including one of the best of all time. 
OD has like ten, with Zach pascal their best. 

 
BYU has produced over 150 NFL players including one of the best of all time. 
OD has like ten, with Zach pascal their best. 
Can you name any others without the help of Google aside from Steve Young? Not being a smartass, just genuinely asking. I know I can’t. 
 

But the post I quoted also specifically mentioned QB’s that played against weaker opponents. Who was BYU’s toughest game in 2020? Coastal Carolina? 

 
BYU has produced over 150 NFL players including one of the best of all time. 
OD has like ten, with Zach pascal their best. 
Exactly. And Liberty has 20 NFL players all time, with 8 drafted, and only 1 first round pick (Eric Green in 1990). Rashad Jennings and Samkon Gadko would be the guys you might actually know their names. Gandy-Golden is the most recent example and he's got 1 reception in 2 years. I'm not trying to knock Liberty, but if Willis does somehow live up to his draft billing, he will be an extreme anomaly. 

I was trying to think of QBs (drafted or undrafted) that were Pro Bowl/franchise players and came from schools that produced no other notable NFL players. Kurt Warner came to mind, but even Northern Iowa has over double the total NFL players as Liberty. That included David Johnson and some other good players. Heinicke is another recent example that was mentioned above, but OD has a much shorter history as a D1 school and Zach Pascal is pretty good too. 

 
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Exactly. And Liberty has 20 NFL players all time, with 8 drafted, and only 1 first round pick (Eric Green in 1990). Rashad Jennings and Samkon Gadko would be the guys you might actually know their names. Gandy-Golden is the most recent example and he's got 1 reception in 2 years. I'm not trying to knock Liberty, but if Willis does somehow live up to his draft billing, he will be an extreme anomaly. 

I was trying to think of QBs (drafted or undrafted) that were Pro Bowl/franchise players and came from schools that produced no other notable NFL players. Kurt Warner came to mind, but even Northern Iowa has over double the total NFL players as Liberty. That included David Johnson and some other good players. Heinicke is another recent example that was mentioned above, but OD has a much shorter history as a D1 school and Zach Pascal is pretty good too. 
one of my favorite all time players is easily the best player to ever come from Alcorn St.  (McNair). So it does happen. But like you’re saying, it’s rare

 
Can you name any others without the help of Google aside from Steve Young? Not being a smartass, just genuinely asking. I know I can’t. 
 

But the post I quoted also specifically mentioned QB’s that played against weaker opponents. Who was BYU’s toughest game in 2020? Coastal Carolina? 
Heisman trophy winner Ty Detmer. Taysom Hill, Jim McMahon… 

BYU did beat UCF in the bowl game. 

Obviously BYU isn’t Bama (nobody is) but they’re a pretty legit program. 

 
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one of my favorite all time players is easily the best player to ever come from Alcorn St.  (McNair). So it does happen. But like you’re saying, it’s rare
I thought of McNair too but Alcorn St. has over 50 players drafted in the NFL. And guys like Donald Driver were pretty good too. They even have more undrafted NFL players, than Liberty has drafted. And also 3 first round picks. Liberty is way behind. 

 

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