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Malik Willis

uconn18 : 1/13/2022 12:28 pm
Watched some tape and he’s the one quarterback I’m intrigued by in this draft. Seems to have some deshaun Watson in his game.

For those that closet follow the draft process where do you think he goes in the draft?
Currently viewed a late first early second  
adamg : 1/13/2022 12:31 pm : link
Have to See how the process plays out. Things will change.
DeShaun Watson was a lot more polished.  
Section331 : 1/13/2022 12:32 pm : link
Willis is more physical and probably the better athlete, but he has some accuracy issues, and he can be careless with the ball.

You better be sure about him if you're going to make your first impression as a GM drafting him.
I agree  
SleepyOwl : 1/13/2022 12:32 pm : link
Arm strength is elite, can throw on the run, pocket awareness, can scramble, he’s the one guy that many teams including the Giants will be kicking themselves for looking over. That being said he can go top 5 or 2nd round. He’s much more dominant than Trey Lance imo and he went 3rd Overall.
A guy with his physical skills will not last to the top of the 2nd  
Mike from Ohio : 1/13/2022 12:37 pm : link
Lamar Jackson changed that. QBs usually go higher than expected, not lower.

Having said that, if he was sitting there when the Giants were on the clock at the top of the 2nd? I'd absolutely make that pick.
RE: Currently viewed a late first early second  
PatersonPlank : 1/13/2022 12:37 pm : link
In comment 15551344 adamg said:
Quote:
Have to See how the process plays out. Things will change.


I'd throw our 2nd at him or Strong, to me that is good value and a good risk to take. Both of these guys very well could end up being as good as Corral and Pickett
You obviously  
jeff57 : 1/13/2022 12:37 pm : link
Didn’t watch enough.
Some team will bet on him in the first round. I'm sure of it.  
Anakim : 1/13/2022 12:38 pm : link
I just don't want it to be us.
Depending on what the offensive scheme will be  
carousel : 1/13/2022 12:39 pm : link
Willis could be the most important projection that the new group will have to make this year, maybe along side Ekwonu. Potential home run or disaster.
I just don't see it with him.  
robbieballs2003 : 1/13/2022 12:40 pm : link
It seems like people want him to be a Lamar Jackson or someone like that and he's not.
There is plenty to like about Willis' game, and plenty  
Jimmy Googs : 1/13/2022 12:43 pm : link
not to like. Pulling for him big time as he was local to my area, but imagine the due diligence on Willis this spring will hold him back from a sure fire Rd 1 pick.

But his physical attributes should get him taken in Rd 2 and may even entice a team to trade up into the bottom of Rd 1 to grab him...
Willis...  
bw in dc : 1/13/2022 12:46 pm : link
has more first round physical attributes than any QB in this class. Frankly, I don't think it's even close. Great arm, great mobility, great athleticism.

But he's just going to need work on the mental side of the game. And that probably pushes him into the second round, maybe late first.
he's intriguing for sure in highlight reels  
Producer : 1/13/2022 12:51 pm : link
but i watched one full game and he was pretty bad.

Don't know what to make of that. He's a gamble.
Watson was an AWESOME college QB  
Jerry in_DC : 1/13/2022 12:59 pm : link
How he fell to #12 in the draft is amazing.

It was a "bad QB draft" though...

Projecting any QB is hard - Willis is particularly hard given his level of competition, development needs, etc. You could have 10 really good personnel guys analyze him for a month and get 10 vastly different answers
I’ll go ahead and watch a full game  
uconn18 : 1/13/2022 1:00 pm : link
Probably the only way to get a true idea.

I was high on Josh Allen who was a “tools” qb (I’ve definitely also been wrong on some QB’s for example I thought Goff would be really good)

Even though Josh Allen had a poor completion percentage in college, I didn’t see him make a ton of poor decisions, which sounds like it might be an issue for Willis
Love a lot about him.  
Andy in Halifax : 1/13/2022 1:05 pm : link
Russell Wilson vibes when he scrambles.

Big arm, but looks kinda ugly on a lot of throws. I think that says he has lots of upside if someone can polish his passing mechanics up a bit. Big arm and a great athlete.

Is the mental side of the position there? I have no idea (as in maybe yes, maybe no I didn't see enough to judge) but physical traits are great. Does it matter that Bo Nix took his job at Auburn? I don't really think so (but maybe).
Can he read the field and identify open WRs  
cosmicj : 1/13/2022 1:06 pm : link
At NFL speed? Who knows.
RE: I’ll go ahead and watch a full game  
bw in dc : 1/13/2022 1:08 pm : link
In comment 15551427 uconn18 said:
Quote:
Probably the only way to get a true idea.

I was high on Josh Allen who was a “tools” qb (I’ve definitely also been wrong on some QB’s for example I thought Goff would be really good)

Even though Josh Allen had a poor completion percentage in college, I didn’t see him make a ton of poor decisions, which sounds like it might be an issue for Willis


Allen threw something like 15 INTs his second year. He was a guy who always tried to make a play when he should have just lived for another play.

Willis had 6 INTs last year and 12 INTs this year. He was trying too hard, like Allen, to make plays this year. And to his team's detriment. If he can clean that up, he has a pretty damn high ceiling. High risk, high reward for sure...
RE: Willis...  
section125 : 1/13/2022 1:11 pm : link
In comment 15551397 bw in dc said:
Quote:
has more first round physical attributes than any QB in this class. Frankly, I don't think it's even close. Great arm, great mobility, great athleticism.

But he's just going to need work on the mental side of the game. And that probably pushes him into the second round, maybe late first.


I am with you, here. I would not take him at #5 or #7, but definitely at #36. Live with Jones while working with Willis.
Willis big test coming up during Senior Bowl week  
Rick in Dallas : 1/13/2022 1:13 pm : link
So far I see him as a second round talent who will need to sit and learn the NFL game.
RE: RE: I’ll go ahead and watch a full game  
uconn18 : 1/13/2022 1:15 pm : link
In comment 15551447 bw in dc said:
Quote:
In comment 15551427 uconn18 said:


Quote:


Probably the only way to get a true idea.

I was high on Josh Allen who was a “tools” qb (I’ve definitely also been wrong on some QB’s for example I thought Goff would be really good)

Even though Josh Allen had a poor completion percentage in college, I didn’t see him make a ton of poor decisions, which sounds like it might be an issue for Willis



Allen threw something like 15 INTs his second year. He was a guy who always tried to make a play when he should have just lived for another play.

Willis had 6 INTs last year and 12 INTs this year. He was trying too hard, like Allen, to make plays this year. And to his team's detriment. If he can clean that up, he has a pretty damn high ceiling. High risk, high reward for sure...

That’s promising, I think a player that forces contested throws that result in interceptions has a much more fixable problem, then someone that misses reads/gets his routes jumped by corners.
RE: Love a lot about him.  
bw in dc : 1/13/2022 1:15 pm : link
In comment 15551438 Andy in Halifax said:
Quote:
Russell Wilson vibes when he scrambles.

Big arm, but looks kinda ugly on a lot of throws. I think that says he has lots of upside if someone can polish his passing mechanics up a bit. Big arm and a great athlete.

Is the mental side of the position there? I have no idea (as in maybe yes, maybe no I didn't see enough to judge) but physical traits are great. Does it matter that Bo Nix took his job at Auburn? I don't really think so (but maybe).


Wilson is a good comp.

I agree on the Nix subject. Brady couldn't beat out Drew Henson or Brian Griese at Michigan for a while.

Willis didn't start playing QB until his senior year - I believe - in HS. Only VTech wanted him to be a QB at first. Auburn came in late. So I think Nix was just viewed as a more polished product at the time...
I love Malik Willis  
cjac : 1/13/2022 1:26 pm : link
i think if he's there in round 2 it would be hard to pass on him.
I watch some of the combine  
Lines of Scrimmage : 1/13/2022 1:26 pm : link
but a lot of the important stuff is done by coaches getting them on the board. Nice size. Good arm talent.

Saw parts of two games that he played. Not seeing it but let's see what the scouts say. Freeze is a outstanding offensive coach.

For all his rushing attempts I think his running numbers are pretty low considering the level of competition he mostly faced. Hard to see how that improves where the speed/size improves dramatically in the NFL. Maybe some team looks to add him as a backup/third QB that can run a few plays early as he develops. Figure some team will take a chance.
He has a long way to go  
Sy'56 : 1/13/2022 1:31 pm : link
.
Arm talent is not enough......  
Simms11 : 1/13/2022 1:41 pm : link
Intangibles play a big role in being a Franchise QB IMO, as well. DJ is a prime example, he’s got a decent arm and athleticism, but his pocket awareness and processing seems very poor.
I love his arm talent and athleticism but everything I have watched  
BLUATHRT : 1/13/2022 1:41 pm : link
of Liberty, he's typically a first read and then get antsy guy. He will sit on a read with his eyes and watch for him to get open if it's primary and then scramble out if not. I don't see a guy that knows how to go through progressions consistently or knows how to read a defense and check out of a look he doesn't like. I think the potential is there to develop but it won't be immediate.
Sy  
Lines of Scrimmage : 1/13/2022 1:43 pm : link
Any early impressions or Young or other QB's you think will rise to high first rounders for 2023? Thanks in advance if your still around.
he'll be a good WR  
KDavies : 1/13/2022 1:46 pm : link
-Bill Polian
Willis is Giants ready  
Tim in VA : 1/13/2022 1:50 pm : link
He has the most comparable offensive line and weapons to work with.
I'd only draft Willis if Daboll was the coach  
AdamBrag : 1/13/2022 1:56 pm : link
He has all the tools you could ask for, but his processing needs a lot of development.

He is WAY behind Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson in terms of NFL readiness. However, his upside is the best QB in the NFL.
All the physical talent in the world. Doesnt seem like a skilled QB  
Heisenberg : 1/13/2022 1:57 pm : link
He is not Watson or Lamar Jackson. Those guys were much more credible passers. Willis is not accurate and plays in a dumbed down system. Definitely is an NFL athlete, but he just doesn't seem to be able to operate a complicated offense to me.

This may date me, but he reminds me more of Major Harris - more impressive when running and improvising than executing an offense.
RE: he's intriguing for sure in highlight reels  
VTChuck : 1/13/2022 2:42 pm : link
In comment 15551408 Producer said:
Quote:
but i watched one full game and he was pretty bad.

Don't know what to make of that. He's a gamble.


I watched Liberty play a pretty awful Syracuse team and was not impressed with Willis. I think he had 3 or 4 turnovers and was stuffed on multiple tries at the goal line. NFL would be a big step up for him IMHO
Tough to compare Willis  
kdog77 : 1/13/2022 2:43 pm : link
to any current NFL QBs who came from SEC, Big 10, ACC or PAC 12. Much different level of competition and coaching. I would rather wait until 2023 than use a first round pick on a speculative QB prospect.
RE: Tough to compare Willis  
Mike in NY : 1/13/2022 2:44 pm : link
In comment 15551622 kdog77 said:
Quote:
to any current NFL QBs who came from SEC, Big 10, ACC or PAC 12. Much different level of competition and coaching. I would rather wait until 2023 than use a first round pick on a speculative QB prospect.


Willis reminds me of Jordan Love though better running ability
RE: Tough to compare Willis  
bw in dc : 1/13/2022 2:51 pm : link
In comment 15551622 kdog77 said:
Quote:
to any current NFL QBs who came from SEC, Big 10, ACC or PAC 12. Much different level of competition and coaching. I would rather wait until 2023 than use a first round pick on a speculative QB prospect.


No offense, but isn't every QB prospect speculative?
Willis  
Archer : 1/13/2022 3:34 pm : link
If you watch games and not Willis's highlights you see a very pedestrian QB

There are some stats that do not lie.

Willis took a ridiculous 51 sacks last year. This is on a team with a decent OL and playing against inferior competition. Willis is not a natural QB and has no feel for pressure. He constantly runs into sacks.

willis threw 12 interceptions, completing only 61% of his passes

Willis QBR for the year is 70 and has had awful games vs. Army (32.7 QBR), UL (19.8 QBR) and Miss (29.6 QBR)

He will make highlight plays due to his innate athleticism but he looks like an athlete playing QB. He feelances all the time and relies on broken or extended plays

Before you propose Willis watch some of his games
After drafting 3 or 4 OT's, 1 or 2 edge rushers, a WR, a TE, and a LB  
Jack Stroud : 1/13/2022 6:15 pm : link
then sure, take a flier on him!
RE: Willis  
bw in dc : 1/13/2022 6:38 pm : link
In comment 15551741 Archer said:
Quote:
If you watch games and not Willis's highlights you see a very pedestrian QB

There are some stats that do not lie.

Willis took a ridiculous 51 sacks last year. This is on a team with a decent OL and playing against inferior competition. Willis is not a natural QB and has no feel for pressure. He constantly runs into sacks.

willis threw 12 interceptions, completing only 61% of his passes

Willis QBR for the year is 70 and has had awful games vs. Army (32.7 QBR), UL (19.8 QBR) and Miss (29.6 QBR)

He will make highlight plays due to his innate athleticism but he looks like an athlete playing QB. He feelances all the time and relies on broken or extended plays

Before you propose Willis watch some of his games


Inferior competition? Louisiana finished 13-1, won the Sunbelt, and won their bowl game. Ole Miss speaks for itself. MTU was a team who qualified and won their bowl game. Army was 9-4 and won their bowl game over Mizzu of the SEC.

Here's an idea - actually look at their schedule. That's four pretty solid teams for an independent school.

I agree Willis is more athlete than QB. But that athleticism is chock full of plus physical skills for a QB. And with the way the game has trended, being able to make off-script plays is a huge positive.


One possible approach  
Go Terps : 1/13/2022 6:44 pm : link
Hire Greg Roman, sign Mariota, draft Willis in round 2. Roman can implement his offense, the vet starter can run it, Willis can be worked in over the course of the season.
RE: One possible approach  
bw in dc : 1/13/2022 6:47 pm : link
In comment 15552027 Go Terps said:
Quote:
Hire Greg Roman, sign Mariota, draft Willis in round 2. Roman can implement his offense, the vet starter can run it, Willis can be worked in over the course of the season.


I like the Roman part - not so much the Mariota piece - because Willis seems like the perfect prototype for that system. Good idea there.
RE: RE: One possible approach  
Mike in NY : 1/13/2022 7:03 pm : link
In comment 15552031 bw in dc said:
Quote:
In comment 15552027 Go Terps said:


Quote:


Hire Greg Roman, sign Mariota, draft Willis in round 2. Roman can implement his offense, the vet starter can run it, Willis can be worked in over the course of the season.



I like the Roman part - not so much the Mariota piece - because Willis seems like the perfect prototype for that system. Good idea there.


Even in a favorable scheme Willis would be a disaster if you expect him to have meaningful reps in games this year
RE: RE: RE: One possible approach  
bw in dc : 1/13/2022 7:07 pm : link
In comment 15552050 Mike in NY said:
Quote:

I like the Roman part - not so much the Mariota piece - because Willis seems like the perfect prototype for that system. Good idea there.



Even in a favorable scheme Willis would be a disaster if you expect him to have meaningful reps in games this year


I didn't mean to imply that. Willis is going to take time for sure.
...  
SFGFNCGiantsFan : 1/13/2022 7:10 pm : link
From what I've seen of the kid, I like him. Then again, I remember watching Akili Smith in college & thinking he was going to dominate in the NFL so...(shrugging shoulders).
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