Screw it. There is no need to delay this any longer. Willis is the next in line of extremely high-ceiling, uber-athletic prospects at the quarterback position. While many view him as a potential franchise quarterback, some are concerned that the bust factor may be extremely high. Let's see who has more validity to their argument.
Biography
Name: Malik Willis
Position: Quarterback
Height: 6' 1/2"
Weight: 219
Age: 22.8
Class: RS Senior
School: Liberty
For those of you who are new to the 'In a Nutshell' series, this is a summarized scouting report to give you everything you need to know "in a nutshell."
The Good
You don't have to hear it from me that Willis has a rocket arm. The arm talent is upper echelon. Combined with a top-tier scrambling ability, the foundation is uncontested. With the right coaching and situation, Willis may be the next in line to take over the league. If it weren't for Justin Herbert, Josh Allen, and Patrick Mahomes, this quarterback mold (the toolsy athlete) would not garner the hype it does nowadays.
The Bad
Processing and decision making are the two main qualities that stand out as 'bad.' Downfield accuracy certainly is a concern, but his offseason work certainly has improved his placement at all levels of the field.
The Ugly?
The right side of the field between 10-20 yards has been Willis' achilles heel. With a 28 PFF passing grade, the proof is in the pudding. Three interceptions, Two touchdowns, 35% completion, and a 45.8 NFL passer rating highlight the main concern: safety processing. Willis can 'pepper the honey hole,' but he might need to do it faster as safeties get quicker and smarter.
Overall
Willis is a polarizing prospect. His future truly depends on who trains him and the offense around him. Boom or bust may never have been more applicable. If your team snags him, unless it is the Panthers (sorry, had to put that in there), you should feel comfortable with your future at quarterback. Willis could be the final piece in the puzzle to truly confirm the hype on the toolsy athlete at the quarterback position.
Grading Scale: (Average: 5/10)
Arm Strength: 13/15
Decision Making / Progressions: 8.5/15
Accuracy: 7/10+
Ball Placement: 7.25/10+
Mechanics: 6/10+
Athleticism: 9.25/10
On the move/ Out of Structure: 9.25/10
Timing: 2.5/5
Pocket Presence: 3.75/5
Injury: 4/5
Mentality: 5/5
Draft Grade: 75.5+
Draft Projection: Top 6
Big Board Rank: Top 15
Shades of: Deshaun Watson
Top Three Fits: Pittsburgh Steelers, New Orleans Saints, Detroit Lions
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