NFL Draft Player Profile: Malik Willis

Malik Willis is one of the top quarterback prospects in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Having passed for almost 3,000 passing yards while completing 61.1% of his passes in 2021, Willis has caught the attention of many teams from across the NFL. He threw 27 touchdown passes and 12 interceptions last year, while also rushing for 787 yards and 13 touchdowns.

Willis’s biggest strength is his ability to run; he can break tackles and get away from defenders. He ran for 100 or more yards five times in the last two years. 

Talent on show at the Combine

Willis has a very strong arm and likes to let it fly. His deep ball timing and ball placement are outstanding on deep throws. This was for all to see at the NFL Combine in February, with Willis making a huge impression.

With his arm strength, Willis can make tight-window throws. He can extend plays with his legs and make a big play down the field with his arm or even running. 

When protected, Willis has shown the ability to go through progressions and is an excellent run-pass option quarterback with his running ability. 

The Liberty quarterback can get the ball out fast when it comes to the blitz. Willis has shown the ability to be a leader in the locker room. 

Needs to develop as a pro

Willis sometimes prefers to throw to outside receivers instead of the middle of the field. 

That shows he’s always looking for the big play, which causes him to miss open receivers underneath.

In addition, Willis’s throwing mechanics are not consistent at times. His accuracy is not very good when on the move, as he tends to miss a lot of throws while scrambling. 

Willis must improve on anticipation throws; he does not throw receivers open; Willis should be able to with his strong arm. 

While he does throw a good deep ball at times, he also misses a lot of deep open receivers. 

Willis can struggle to operate as a pocket passer, and pro defenses could give him problems by containing him on the edges and forcing him to beat them from the pocket.

Lack of competition could also be a cause for concern for Willis. Against Ole Miss, an SEC team, he completed only 64% of his passes for 173 yards and 3 INTs with 0 TDs. On the ground against Ole Miss, Willis rushed 71 yards on 27 carries. He averaged 2.6 yards per carry. 

That inexperience against the top teams could deter a lot of potential suitors.

How he’ll fare in the NFL

Willis will probably be one of the top two quarterbacks taken in the NFL Draft. Teams will be excited over his running ability and his arm strength. 

First, however, Willis will need to go to a team that will cater to his abilities, as the Baltimore Ravens did for Lamar Jackson. Then, once in the NFL, Willis must spend time with whatever teams he goes to coaching staff to improve in the passing game.

Willis should be effective in the running game right away. Willis must do better in the pocket and try not to stare down receivers. If he can improve in those departments, sky is the limit for Willis in the NFL.