As we edge closer to the 2022 NFL Draft, Liberty quarterback Malik Willis has seen a noticeable increase in his draft stock. With multiple quarterback-needy teams encircling, how high could the dynamic dual-threat go? Does the Matt Ryan trade make the Atlanta Falcons the most logical landing spot? Or is Willis even beyond their reach at eighth overall?
Malik Willis’ stock is ascending ahead of the 2022 NFL Draft
If you look up the dictionary definition of “ascending,” there’s every chance that you’ll simply see a picture of the Liberty quarterback. Willis is to this class what Zach Wilson was to the 2021 class and Joe Burrow to the one before. Sure, there aren’t so many statistically successful comparisons to be made between the three prospects. However, the ascension of Willis to the clear QB1 follows some distinct similarities.
To call Willis statistically unsuccessful is to do the Liberty playmaker a disservice. He has, after all, thrown for over 5,000 yards across two seasons for the Flames. Furthermore, he’s produced 48 passing touchdowns with a receiving group that makes even the ’21 Detroit Lions unit seem like an embarrassment of riches. Meanwhile, he’s done it behind an offensive line that would make Burrow envious of his own pre-free agency protection.
As a result of the subpar offensive line and the mediocre wide receiving group — my words, not those of Willis himself — we’ve seen the best rushing quarterback performances since Lamar Jackson wore the red of the Louisville Cardinals. In his four-year college career, the Liberty QB has rushed for over 2,000 yards and tallied 29 rushing touchdowns. In the age of the mobile quarterback, he’s as mobile as they come.
“Aced the process” probably isn’t in the dictionary. But, if it was, there again would be the Liberty QB. Willis’ draft stock continues to ascend due to his performances in the pre-draft process. There wasn’t a better quarterback at the Senior Bowl. Willis wowed everyone in attendance at the NFL Combine with his arm talent and personality. The same story applies to his pro day. A likable leader with physical traits, Willis’ ascension stops at the top of the class.
Does the Matt Ryan trade pave the way for Willis to be the future of the Falcons?
The NFL quarterback carousel during the start of the league year has been unlike anything we’ve seen before. Kickstarted by the Denver Broncos trading for Seattle Seahawks star Russell Wilson, we’ve seen Carson Wentz and Deshaun Watson also find new homes via trades. Following Atlanta’s pursuit of Watson, the trade of Ryan was almost inevitable.
I’ve said before on the Pro Football Network Premier NFL Draft Podcast that I don’t believe it’s a coincidence that Seattle traded Wilson when they did, to who they did. As Willis was acing the pre-draft process and making every NFL decision-maker fall in love with him on and off the field, I think the Seahawks saw a ready-made Russell replacement and put themselves in a position to secure their signal-caller of the future.
After all, the Broncos have long been touted as a landing spot for the Liberty QB. With his draft stock at an all-time high, however, will the Seahawks be gazumped in their quest to secure his services? The Carolina Panthers’ inability to land Watson — and the mutual disinterest in acquiring Baker Mayfield — makes them a prime landing spot for Willis. However, reports suggest that Matt Rhule is enamored with Pitt QB Kenny Pickett.
So do the Atlanta Falcons jump the Seahawks for Willis’ services?
According to PFN’s Chief Draft Analyst Tony Pauline on last week’s episode of PFN Draft Insiders (which can be found every Tuesday at 8 PM ET on the PFN YouTube Channel), that was a big move that could have resounding effects on Willis’ draft stock.
“I think the most helpful thing for Malik Willis this week was the fact that the Atlanta Falcons traded Matt Ryan and now they may be looking for a young quarterback of the future,” Pauline said.
Falcons are an obvious landing spot, but not so fast my friend
The Ryan trade makes the Falcons an obvious landing spot for Willis. While they moved to secure Marcus Mariota, his two-year deal makes him the ideal bridge quarterback. It’s a very simplistic analysis, but the mobility that Mariota brings to an offense ultimately paves the way for Willis to take over after a year of adapting to the NFL game. The Liberty quarterback needs that. He doesn’t need to be thrown into the fire immediately.
The interest is there for the Falcons. Both general manager Terry Fontenot and VP of player personnel Kyle Smith were at the Liberty Pro Day. Of course, they weren’t the only ones. The Pittsburgh Steelers haven’t been shy about their love for the Liberty QB. Head coach Mike Tomlin ate chicken wings with Willis as they entertained him at a pre-draft dinner. However, at pick 20, the Steelers are probably out of range to secure his services.
That said, with the New York Giants reportedly open for business, what’s to stop the Steelers shooting up the board on draft night to sign their Ben Roethlisberger replacement?
As Willis’ draft stock soars, I wouldn’t rule out the Detroit Lions with the second overall selection either. They coached the Liberty QB at the Senior Bowl and reportedly are equally in love. While the Falcons might want Willis as their long-term future after the Ryan trade, his draft stock — and ultimate draft position — may yet soar beyond their reach.