2022 NFL Draft: Malik Willis Scouting Report

Quarterback, Liberty University

Cover image retrieved via liberty.edu

Summary

Yet another iteration of the NFL’s most recent obsession among their draft classes, Liberty’s Malik Willis pairs natural arm talent with shift ballcarrying skills. Currently residing among the second-tier of quarterback prospects bordering the end of the first round, Willis could be a pleasant surprise late into the first night of festivities in Las Vegas.

Rushing for nearly 1,000 yards in his first campaign with the Flames, Willis capitalized the end of their season with a 21 carry, 137 yard, 4 touchdown effort. over twelve ranked Coastal Carolina in their bowl game. At six-foot-one, 215 pounds, Willis measures comparably to current NFL starters Jalen Hurts and Lamar Jackson, the latter of which shares a distinctively shift rushing style.

Similarly to the MVP’s rookie form though, Willis still desperately needs refinement in his footwork and consistency in his throwing motion. Having developed a kink in his motion of stepping too far out with his front foot, Willis finds himself with his hips open before bringing his throwing arm through. This habit not only encourages a late release due to overrotation, but leaves the velocity of the throw fully dependent upon arm strength rather than dispersing the physical demand of the throwing motion throughout his body.

Raven’s prodigy Lamar Jackson has proven mechanical flaws in such mobile prospects is not a permanent trait, but a coachable flaw which is only a product of their athletic superiority at lower levels of competition. Given this, members within the front offices of quarterback-needy organization will be keeping tabs on the consistency of his throwing mechanics as well as his intermediate completion percentages (specifically to the boundaries).

Player Comparison: Tyrod Taylor, QB, HOU

Despite being justly comparable to the previously mentioned NFL starters, a more appropriate comparison would be to former Buffalo offensive-catalyst and new Texans quarterback Tyrod Taylor. Having been a lethal downfield option during his time in Orchard Park, he has since declined in stints with the Browns and Chargers.

Currently a deep-ball passer prone to inaccuracy-induced turnovers, Willis gives a similar impression solidified by his first-half of film against NC State this past season. Willis is a servicable passer in an appropriate offensive scheme though, capable of distributing the ball to receivers which can threaten defenders with the ball-in-hand.

Also sharing a rushing style which fits the description of many simiarly-sized rushing quarterbacks, both Taylor and Willis have proven themselves to be among the best in the NFL at punishing rushing lanes appearing from prolonged coverage and avoiding a spy for chunk gains.

Scouting Notes

Measurables

• 6’1”, 215 lbs

• ~4.5 forty

Positives

• Physical

  • ability to create yardage out of broken plays

  • extends plays with his legs, evasive in the backfield

  • elusive ballcarrier, manipulates angles for additional yardage

    • ability to make moves on defenders, truly dynamic

• Mental

  • responsible reads on option plays

  • comfortable identifying open targets on the move & under pressure

    • strong improvisational instincts

  • feel for edge-rushers, instinctive evasiveness

• Throwing Mechanics

  • natural arm strength

    • reach the boundary from far-hash with ease

    • makes up for poor footing on deep-balls

  • comfortable throwing off-platform

    • opens bootleg play-design in the offensive schematics

  • quick delivery from snap for designed screens

  • when hips properly align, delivers the ball on a ‘frozen rope’

Negatives

• Physical

  • needs to be careful as a ballcarrier due to lack of body mass

• Mental

  • often ignores checkdown

  • puts himself in harm’s way on rushing attempts

  • escaping pass-rush, opts for rushing lanes rather than completions

  • tendency to staredown primary read

  • reckless ball security in pursuit of positive play

    • trying to do too much

    • needs to learn to play for the next down

• Throwing Mechanics

  • inconsistent footing, unforced off-balance throws

    • front-foot steps too far outside, opens hips early

  • struggles with touch to give receiver leverage in jump-ball scenarios

  • downfield accuracy leaves much to be desired

    • easily punished by deep-third safeties (ex: @ NC State, 11/21/2020)