Malik Willis, built with upper-tier athleticism and a cannon arm, was always going to improve his NFL stock during the pre-draft process. The former Auburn and Liberty University quarterback is one of the top quarterbacks in a flawed class of prospects in 2022. The dual-threat passer lit up Group of 5 opponents in his two seasons as the Flames’ starter but had his share of struggles against more recognizable opponents.
He’s still got a chance to become the first quarterback selected this April. On Tuesday, he gave needy franchises a reason to do so. After uncorking some rainbows at the NFL Combine weeks earlier, Willis used Liberty’s pro day to put on an absolute show in front of scouts and a national audience on NFL Network:
Another look at that insane @malikwillis dime. 👀🎯
📺: @LibertyFootball Pro Day on @nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/QvOTzl6AcK
— NFL (@NFL) March 22, 2022
Willis — in a controlled environment and without a defense on the field, it must be noted — showed off Sunday-caliber arm strength and accuracy in his plea to be a top 10 pick. The 6’1 signal caller moved well in a dramatized pocket and showed off beautiful touch downfield while throwing on the run:
The throw + the celebration. Malik Willis is having himself a Pro Day. 🎯 @malikwillis
📺: @LibertyFootball Pro Day on @NFLNetwork pic.twitter.com/7mcULGBOk5
— NFL (@NFL) March 22, 2022
Willis was a singular force at Liberty, throwing for 5,107 yards and 48 touchdowns in his two seasons there while adding 1,822 rushing yards and 27 touchdowns on the ground. Under his stewardship, the Flames — who only moved up to FBS play in 2018 — won 10 games in 2020 and eight last fall.
But he also struggled against Power 5 opponents (and, somehow, Louisiana-Monroe), putting up clunkers in what could have been showcase games against NC State and Ole Miss — though he did roast Virginia Tech for 325 total yards and four touchdowns in a 2020 win. An optimistic scout could blame that on a lack of supporting talent around him and Willis’ ability to put the offense on his shoulders in stretches:
🤯🤯🤯 pic.twitter.com/6nSJgxvumv
— Ian (@NFLFilmStudy) February 15, 2022
A pessimistic scout would view him as a low-floor project with plenty of work to be done. Those deep balls are (chef’s kiss), but we saw the same from Zach Wilson in 2021 and we saw how his rookie season played out in New York.
NFL decision makers will now have to weigh his college career against his arm talent when they figure out who the “QB1” on their draft board is; Willis or Pittsburgh star Kenny Pickett. With a handful of big throws Tuesday, Willis may have tipped the scale in his favor.
