The 2022 NFL Draft was a pivotal moment for quarterback Malik Willis, a player whose journey from college standout to professional athlete captured the attention of football fans and analysts alike. Known for his electrifying dual-threat capabilities, Willis entered the draft with high expectations but faced an unexpected slide before being selected.
This article dives deep into the Malik Willis draft saga, exploring his college career, draft process, performance metrics, and the questions fans and analysts have been asking about his journey. Drawing from the latest information available, we’ll cover his draft profile, the Tennessee Titans’ decision to select him, his subsequent trade to the Green Bay Packers, and what people are searching for on platforms like YouTube and Google.
Who is Malik Willis?
Malik Willis is a quarterback who rose to prominence during his college career, particularly at Liberty University. Born on May 25, 1999, in Atlanta, Georgia, Willis began his college football journey at Auburn University, where he served as a backup quarterback for two seasons (2017–2018). Seeking a larger role, he transferred to Liberty in 2019, where he became the starting quarterback and showcased his dynamic playmaking ability.
Over two seasons at Liberty, Willis threw for 5,107 yards, 47 touchdowns, and 18 interceptions, while adding 1,822 rushing yards and 27 rushing touchdowns. His dual-threat style combining a strong arm with elite athleticism drew comparisons to quarterbacks like Lamar Jackson and drew significant attention from NFL scouts.
Willis’ college performance at Liberty, a smaller program, put him on the radar as a potential first-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft. His ability to extend plays, make accurate deep throws, and contribute significantly as a runner made him one of the most intriguing quarterback prospects in his class. However, questions about his decision-making, accuracy on shorter passes, and the level of competition at Liberty tempered some of the hype surrounding him.
The 2022 NFL Draft: Expectations and Reality
Leading up to the 2022 NFL Draft, Malik Willis was a polarizing figure. Many analysts viewed him as a high-ceiling, high-risk prospect due to his raw talent and areas needing refinement. NFL.com’s draft profile highlighted his “electric playmaking ability” but noted concerns about his “inconsistent accuracy and decision-making under pressure.”
Willis was often projected as a potential top-10 pick, with some mock drafts linking him to teams like the Pittsburgh Steelers, Carolina Panthers, and Atlanta Falcons, who were all in need of quarterback help.
His performance at the NFL Combine further fueled the buzz. Standing at 6’0 1/2” and weighing 219 pounds, Willis showcased impressive measurables: a 4.42-second 40-yard dash (99th percentile for quarterbacks), a 9 1/2” hand size, a 31 3/4” arm length, and a 6’5 3/8” wingspan.
His athleticism was undeniable, and his arm strength was evident in throwing drills, where he demonstrated the ability to make every throw required at the NFL level. However, some scouts questioned whether his raw talent could translate to immediate success in the pros, given his limited experience against top-tier competition.
The Draft Slide
Despite the pre-draft hype, Malik Willis experienced a surprising slide during the 2022 NFL Draft. Many expected him to be the first or second quarterback off the board, but teams passed on him in the first and second rounds. The Pittsburgh Steelers selected Kenny Pickett at No. 20 overall, and other quarterback-needy teams opted for different players or strategies. Willis’ slide was attributed to several factors:
Level of Competition: Playing at Liberty, a Group of Five program, Willis faced less elite competition compared to quarterbacks from Power Five conferences. This raised questions about his readiness for the NFL.
Raw Skill Set: While Willis had a strong arm and elite athleticism, his mechanics and decision-making were seen as works in progress. Some teams were hesitant to invest a high pick in a player who might need significant development time.
Draft Trends: The 2022 quarterback class was considered weaker than previous years, leading some teams to prioritize other positions or trade for established quarterbacks rather than draft a developmental prospect.
Ultimately, Willis was selected by the Tennessee Titans in the third round with the 86th overall pick, a significant fall from his projected first-round status. This selection was seen as a value pick for the Titans, who were looking for a potential successor to Ryan Tannehill and a dynamic backup quarterback.
Malik Willis’ Draft Profile and Scouting Report
According to NFLDraftBuzz.com, Willis was described as a “dual-threat QB” with exceptional physical tools. His scouting report highlighted the following strengths:
Arm Strength: Willis possessed a cannon for an arm, capable of making deep throws with velocity and touch. He could stretch defenses vertically and fit passes into tight windows.
Athleticism: His 4.42-second 40-yard dash and ability to evade defenders made him a nightmare for opposing defenses. He was a legitimate threat to score on the ground, as evidenced by his 27 rushing touchdowns at Liberty.
Playmaking Ability: Willis thrived in unstructured situations, using his mobility to extend plays and create opportunities outside the pocket.
Leadership: Despite transferring from Auburn, Willis quickly became a leader at Liberty, earning the respect of teammates and coaches.
Weaknesses
However, Willis’ scouting report also noted areas of concern that likely contributed to his draft slide:
Accuracy: Willis struggled with consistency on short and intermediate throws, with a completion percentage of 61.1% in his final college season.
Decision-Making: He occasionally forced throws into coverage or held onto the ball too long, leading to sacks or turnovers.
Processing Speed: Against more complex NFL defenses, there were concerns about his ability to quickly read coverages and progress through his reads.
Level of Competition: As mentioned, playing at Liberty meant Willis faced fewer elite defenses, making it harder for scouts to evaluate his performance against NFL-caliber talent.
Fit with the Titans
The Titans’ selection of Willis at No. 86 was viewed as a strategic move. The team had Ryan Tannehill as their starting quarterback but was looking to the future. Willis’ dual-threat style offered a contrast to Tannehill’s pocket-passing approach, and the Titans believed they could develop Willis behind a veteran while leveraging his athleticism in specific packages. CBS Sports ranked Willis as the top quarterback value pick in the 2022 draft, citing his potential to develop into a starter with proper coaching.
Malik Willis’ Time with the Tennessee Titans
Rookie Season (2022) Willis’ rookie season with the Titans was a learning experience. He appeared in eight games, starting three, as Tannehill dealt with injuries. His performance was underwhelming, reflecting the challenges of transitioning from college to the NFL. In his three starts, Willis went 1-2, completing 50.8% of his passes for 276 yards, no touchdowns, and three interceptions, resulting in a passer rating of 49.4. His rushing ability provided some highlights, as he accumulated 123 yards and a touchdown on the ground, but his passing struggles were evident.
The Titans’ offensive system, which leaned heavily on the run game and play-action passing, was not an ideal fit for Willis’ skill set. Additionally, the lack of elite receiving options and an inconsistent offensive line made it difficult for him to succeed. Despite these challenges, Willis showed flashes of his potential, particularly in his ability to escape pressure and make plays with his legs.
2023 Season and Limited Opportunities
In 2023, Willis’ role diminished as the Titans drafted Will Levis in the second round, signaling a shift in their quarterback plans. Willis appeared in only three games, mostly in mop-up duty, and did not start. His limited playing time raised questions about his future with the team, as Levis emerged as the quarterback of the future. Over two seasons with the Titans, Willis played in 11 games, with a cumulative stat line that underscored his struggles as a passer but highlighted his athleticism.
Trade to the Green Bay Packers
On August 27, 2024, the Titans traded Willis to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a 2025 seventh-round draft pick. This move came as a surprise to some, given Willis’ draft pedigree, but it reflected the Titans’ commitment to Levis and their desire to give Willis a fresh start elsewhere. The trade was also seen as a low-risk move for the Packers, who were looking for a backup quarterback behind starter Jordan Love.
Performance with the Packers
Willis’ tenure with the Packers has been a revelation. In 2024, he appeared in two games, starting both due to an injury to Love. His performance was a stark contrast to his time with the Titans. Willis went 2-0 as a starter, completing 74% of his passes for an average of 27.6 points per game, throwing three touchdowns and no interceptions, and achieving a passer rating of 124.8. This turnaround sparked discussions about whether Willis’ struggles in Tennessee were due to a poor fit with the Titans’ system rather than a lack of talent.
The Packers’ offensive scheme, which emphasizes quick reads and play-action, has been a better match for Willis’ skill set. Additionally, playing alongside talented skill players like Christian Watson and Josh Jacobs has allowed Willis to showcase his potential. His success in Green Bay has led to renewed interest in his draft journey and what might have been had he landed in a different situation initially.
FAQs
Why did Malik Willis drop to the third round?
Despite his athletic upside, Willis was considered a developmental prospect with some inconsistencies in college, such as decision-making and accuracy issues. Many teams viewed him as a high-upside quarterback but wanted to see more refinement before investing an early pick. This caused him to fall to the third round, although several analysts expected him to be taken earlier.
How did Malik Willis perform at the NFL Combine and Pro Day?
Willis showcased his athleticism with impressive speed and agility drills. His 40-yard dash time was around 4.4 seconds, highlighting his dual-threat capability. However, some scouts noted concerns with his footwork and accuracy in passing drills during these events, which affected his draft stock.
What is Malik Willis’s playing style?
Willis is a mobile, dynamic quarterback who excels in extending plays with his legs. He has a strong arm capable of making deep and intermediate throws. He’s often compared to other dual-threat QBs like Cam Newton and Patrick Mahomes because of his ability to run and throw effectively, but he needs development in reading defenses and improving accuracy.
What are the expectations for Malik Willis in the NFL?
As a third-round pick with high upside, Malik Willis is expected to develop behind the Titans’ starting quarterback initially. The Titans view him as a potential future starter who can bring a new dimension to their offense with his athleticism. Many fans and analysts believe he has a high ceiling but will need time to refine his decision-making and consistency.
How did Malik Willis perform in his rookie NFL season?
In his rookie year, Willis mostly served as a backup and saw limited game action. When he did play, his athleticism was evident, but his passing was still a work in progress with some typical rookie mistakes. His development is ongoing, and the Titans coaching staff has expressed optimism about his potential.
In Summary
Malik Willis’s draft journey was just the beginning. Whether he becomes a franchise quarterback or not, his story underscores the complex nature of the NFL Draft. It also highlights the power of media narratives and public perception in shaping a player’s career arc. As fans, analysts, and teams continue to watch closely, Malik Willis remains one of the most intriguing young quarterbacks in the NFL. His future is unwritten, and that’s what keeps people watching.
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