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- Malik Willis is skyrocketing up NFL Draft boards and might be the first quarterback to hear his name called in April.
- After (and even before) his ridiculous Pro Day, there is one team in particular that seems to be very interested in drafting him.
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With the NFL Draft quickly approaching, the yearly debate about quarterbacks is in full swing. Of the top prospects in this year’s class, one in particular is starting to stand out as the likely first name off of the board at his position.
Malik Willis’ draft stock only continues to rise and his Pro Day performance was impressive. He put on an absolute show and walked-off his best throw with an incredibly hype celebration.
Over the course of the last few weeks, one potential suitor has stood out— the Pittsburgh Steelers.
After Ben Roethlisberger chose to retire at the end of the 2021 season, head coach Mike Tomlin made it very clear that the team is keeping all options open for his replacement. In the meantime, the team recently signed Mitch Trubisky to compete with Mason Rudolph right away.
That doesn’t mean that the Steelers aren’t going to draft a quarterback to get in on the mix or to sit for a year or two and learn and develop. Tomlin recently spoke about the one trait he wants in his next quarterback and neither Trubisky nor Rudolph stand out in that department.
Tomlin, yet again, makes it clear he wants next QB to be mobile.
"Man, quarterback mobility is valued."
— Andrew Siciliano (@AndrewSiciliano) January 18, 2022
There is, however, one quarterback that fits Tomlin’s mobility ask for Pittsburgh’s next quarterback — Willis.
The former Auburn-transfer-turned-Liberty-starter chose not to run the 40-yard dash at both the NFL Combine and his Pro Day. That was an intentional decision to make it very clear that he is a quarterback, despite his speed and mobility that could translate to another position.
And then he went out and made a very definitive statement that he is in fact a quarterback with a wicked Pro Day performance after also doing so at the Senior Bowl and NFL Combine. Willis is a quarterback and the Steelers would make a lot of sense for his future.
Tomlin seems to agree, because the two had dinner on the night prior to Willis’ Pro Day.
Malik Willis said he had dinner with Mike Tomlin on Mon. night.
“He was eating chicken wings. He’s like a normal dude.”— Joe Person (@josephperson) March 22, 2022
As of right now, the Steelers pick 20th overall in the upcoming NFL Draft. There is a good chance, especially with his rising stock, that Willis may not be there when Pittsburgh picks. Thus, they likely would have to trade up to get their guy.
If it is not the Steelers, than the Seahawks, Commanders, Lions, Vikings, Saints and Broncos might make sense. No matter where he ends up, Willis is going to be good.