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
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
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...
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.
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 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
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).
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...
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.
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.
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...
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.
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
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.
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.
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
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.
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
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?
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
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.
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.
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.
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
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).
You better be sure about him if you're going to make your first impression as a GM drafting him.
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.
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
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...
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.
Don't know what to make of that. He's a gamble.
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 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
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).
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...
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.
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.
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...
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 is WAY behind Josh Allen or Lamar Jackson in terms of NFL readiness. However, his upside is the best QB in the NFL.
This may date me, but he reminds me more of Major Harris - more impressive when running and improvising than executing an offense.
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
Willis reminds me of Jordan Love though better running ability
No offense, but isn't every QB prospect speculative?
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
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.
I like the Roman part - not so much the Mariota piece - because Willis seems like the perfect prototype for that system. Good idea there.
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
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.