Accuracy/Placement: Inconsistent when he’s stagnant or on the move. Willis shows the potential to toss dimes at all three levels of field but needs to more commonly demonstrate that ability. Struggles to accurately place the ball downfield and outside the numbers. Certainly a weakness to his game.
Arm Strength: Acquires a cannon that significantly pops on the tape. Tremendous velocity and can throw a rocket back across his body even when scrambling. He obtains the power to fit the ball into tight windows as well as launch it downfield. Lots of juice in his release in which he utilizes to his advantage.
Decision Making: An area of improvement for Malik Willis. His decision making fluctuates between solid or questionable. For instance, Willis has the tendency to tuck it or roll out when the play breaks down rather than simply hitting his checkdown or just throwing it away out of bounds.
Mobility: Is a true dual-threat at the quarterback position. His exceptional, dynamic mobility allows him to effortlessly extend plays, get vertical, and create opportunities for his offense when pass-pro doesn’t hold up. His athleticism and running ability are elite as he displays eye-popping change of direction and vision when he takes it himself pass the LOS. The physical tools alone warrant him the highest ceiling out of any QB in the 2022 NFL Draft.
Out of structure: For the most part, Willis excels performing out of structure with aid from his top-notch athleticism and playmaking speed. On tape, Willis seemed to be more comfortable performing out of structure than in. He was often seen rolling out before the play even broke down. In terms of passing, Willis has shown some incredible throws when outside the pocket but his questionable decision-making and constant hunger for the big play can hurt him in this area at the next level as he often holds onto the ball for far too long.
Upper/Lower Mechanics: Needs to find a way to more consistently set his feet and shoulders. Displays the tendency to click heels and create unnecessary body movement prior to his release. This lack of proper upper/lower body mechanics can be attributed to his issues with accuracy.
Progressions: Extremely limited by Liberty’s one-read offensive passing scheme, traditional for a modern-day college offense. In the rare occasions in which he doesn’t hit his first read, Willis will attempt to work through his progressions but then struggle to locate and pull the trigger on an open target quick enough.
Final Grade: 80.5, Late 2nd Round
Filed By: Jason Truitt, NFL Draft Contributing Writer
Twitter: @TruittJasonNFL