Too many poor decisions on tape; ill-advised, dangerous throws led to increase in turnovers in 2021
Big play hunter, yet to fully grasp the benefit of taking what a defense gives him
Lack of finesse on short to intermediate passes – every throw comes in hot
Accuracy wanes on deep throws, particularly outside the numbers where touch is required
Throws off-platform unnecessarily, relying on arm strength rather than technique to hit his target
The Verdict:
“There is no more exciting quarterback to watch in this draft class than Malik Willis. The former Auburn Tiger made a brave decision to leave the SEC for Liberty, an independent school who had just made the leap to the FBS, but Hugh Freeze created a system that allowed him to flourish. Willis brings a hell of a lot to the table; his ability to make plays with his arm and his legs opens up the playbook for creative coordinators, and if he cleans up some lower half mechanics and dials down the need to be a hero on each play he’ll become one of the NFL’s most dangerous QB’s. Getting there may take some time, but there’s no doubt that Willis has the potential to be a difference maker at the next level.”
PREVIOUSLY THE FOUNDER OF NFL DRAFT UK, SIMON HAS BEEN COVERING COLLEGE FOOTBALL AND THE NFL DRAFT SINCE 2009. BASED IN MANCHESTER, SIMON IS ALSO CO-CREATOR & WEEKLY GUEST OF THE COLLAPSING POCKET PODCAST.