Malik Willis | Liberty 6’1” 219 lbs. | 05/25/1999 (Age 22)
Malik Willis was drafted 86th overall by the, becoming the third quarterback and 86th overall player in the 2022 NFL Draft.
COLLEGE PRODUCTION
| Year | Games Played | Yards | Completion Percentage | TDs | INTs |
| 2017 (FR) | 7 | 45 | 85.7% | 1 | 0 |
| 2018 (SO) | 5 | 24 | 71.4% | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 (JR) | 10 | 2,250 | 64.2% | 20 | 6 |
| 2021 (SR) | 13 | 2,857 | 61.1% | 27 | 12 |
After two seasons as the understudy at Auburn University, Willis made the best decision of his career and transferred to Liberty. He then took off and combined for 5,107 passing yards, 47 passing touchdowns, 1,822 rushing yards, and 27 rushing touchdowns in 23 games played. Willis has all the tools and upside in the world to become a solid starting quarterback in the NFL eventually. He isn’t a guaranteed product, but his ceiling is higher than any other signal-callers in this year’s draft. Willis showcases a rare combination of a strong arm and elite rushing abilities. In today’s NFL, that’s exactly what teams are looking for.
STRENGTHS
Generational talent that today’s NFL seeks in a signal-caller. Shows elite escape ability while making plays on the run. Ran for 100 yards five times during the last two seasons. Dual-threat ability and potential. Ability to recognize blitz packages and gets the ball out quickly when needed. Works through progressions when protected. Ideal frame with a powerful arm to connect in tight windows. Solid deep ball, as he punished safeties over the top playing for Liberty.
WEAKNESSES
Skips through progressions when rushed. Great scrambler, but his accuracy on the run needs major improvement. Gets sloppy with his feet and throws off one foot too often. Although he showcases a great deep ball, he at times rushes it and throws it flat when hurried. Sits in the pocket too long at times, allowing windows to close on him in a hurry. Took way too many unnecessary sacks trying to make a play. Inconsistent when it comes to easy check-downs and on-schedule passes.
ATHLETIC TESTING
Willis didn’t participate in this year’s NFL combine, and we don’t have any proven records of any athletic testing from the Liberty product. He measures in at 6’1” and 219 lbs. He shows elite speed, as professional scouts believe he runs somewhere around a 4.4 40-yard dash.
DRAFT ANALYSIS
Rapid Reaction to Draft Capital: Excellent
Rapid Reaction to Landing Spot: Fair
Willis was selected with the 86th-overall pick in the 2022 NFL Draft by the Tennessee Titans.
Ryan Tannehill is going into a contract season, and it looks like he’ll groom the future quarterback of Tennessee in Willis.
FANTASY INSIGHTS
Willis brings fantasy value both with his arm and his legs. He has a high ceiling and the tools to become a future QB1. He likely takes notes and serves as the Titans’ backup in Year 1 of his career. He’s worth a draft selection in Round 2 of your rookie drafts, but you need to be prepared to place him on your bench for an extended amount of time. He’s not worth a look in redraft leagues, and he’s a middle-round target in dynasty start-up leagues. Be patient, hold your excitement in, and watch the future unfold for this young man.
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