Projecting the Titans QB plans for 2022
After drafting Malik Willis with the 86th pick in the 2022 NFL draft, many are questioning the future of the quarterback position for the Tennessee Titans.
Willis has been viewed as a steal in the draft for the Titans, with some mock draft projections having him being taken early in the first round.
This selection now means there are three quarterbacks on the Titans roster, with Willis joining Ryan Tannehill and Logan Woodside.
So who will be given the starting role for 2022?
Tannehill doesn’t get the credit he deserves
Projections of Willis’ playing time this year have varied massively within the media, with some expecting him to take an important starting role this season, and some saying he may struggle to see anytime on the field.
Tannehill remains the starting quarterback in Tennessee, so the latter is more likely. If Tannehill plays well enough, there is little doubt that he will remain the Titans starter.
Tannehill helped lead the team to an impressive 11-5 record last season. That was the best record in the AFC, despite injuries to key offensive players.
Running back Derrick Henry missed half of the season, while wide receivers AJ Brown and Julio Jones also spent time sidelined.
With Brown being traded to the Philadelphia Eagles, and Jones being released, the Titans offence will look completely different this season.
Having a veteran quarterback in Tannehill to control a new look offence is just what Tennessee will need this year.
During the 2021 season, Tannehill threw for 3,734 yards, throwing 21 touchdowns and 14 interceptions, and ranked 8th overall in quarterback rating. Not bad for a player that some people are already writing off for 2022.
The Titans will be hopeful of securing another playoff berth this season, so sticking with the proven quarterback who has proven himself in the league is key to the Titans success.
For Willis, his first year will be more about development. Expect the rookie to be looking at a fairly limited role this season.
He may have to settle for the third choice quarterback to begin the year, with Woodside backing up initially. This could change as the season goes on, depending on how the 22 year old progresses.
The long-term plan for Willis and the Titans
Selecting Willis in the third round was a huge success for the Titans. For Tennessee, it gets one of the best quarterbacks in the draft for a mid round pick. For Willis, it reduces expectations on the young quarterback to start from minute one.
Willis is extremely talented, but does need a lot of work to do in order to be in a position to be a starter in the NFL.
There will be less pressure on Willis to take to the field this year, and more emphasis on him being able to develop his game behind Tannehill.
With the contract of the former NFL Comeback Player of the Year ending following the 2023 season, Willis has plenty of time to improve his game before being a definite starter for the Titans. 2023 could see the former Liberty star Willis sharing some of the action with Tannehill, with the plan for him to become the starter from 2024.
The Titans are slowly moving into a new era, and Willis could be the next man to be given the keys to unlock the Titans offence.
With the selection of wide receiver Treylon Burks in the first round of the 2022 NFL Draft, Willis will already have his main wideout target for the future.
Titans fans will be keen to see what Willis has to offer. But Willis is a raw product, and is going to take some time before he is the finished article.
