2022 NFL Draft: Final ranking of the top-5 quarterbacks

2. Malik Willis, Liberty (41st overall)

Malik Willis is going to finish as the number one quarterback this year on the consensus board, but I have him just below Matt Corral as a prospect. After averaging out Willis’ final position on a collection of big boards of NFL Draft analysts, I’m roughly fifteen spots lower than most on him.

I get what there is to like. Willis has upside that is through the roof thanks to his cannon arm and ability to throw from any platform. When you combine this with his ability to effortlessly escape the pocket, extend the play, and move the chains with his legs, you have a player who could develop into one of the league’s most dynamic quarterbacks down the line.

The problem is that Willis also has more to work on than any of the other top-five quarterbacks in this class. He stares daggers through his receivers and needs to get better at scanning the field. He is also too quick to bail from a clean pocket, and his decision-making is very questionable at times.

In addition, it’s worrisome that Willis rarely threw the ball over the middle of the field, and we probably shouldn’t expect that to change much in the NFL. Still, the upside is fantastic, and I think he’s worth a gamble based on the tools alone. Malik Willis really needs a year to sit and learn before being named the starter.