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Malik Willis was one of the polarizing prospects in the entire 2022 NFL Draft. The big-armed, uber-athletic quarterback lit up both the stat sheet and the scoreboard for Hugh Freeze at Liberty University.
But NFL coaches and scouts wondered about Willis’ mechanics and decision-making. After briefly shooting to the top of some draft boards, he eventually saw his stock start to dip back down.
Eventually, the Tennessee Titans selected Willis with the 86th overall pick in the third round of the draft. The selection raised some eyebrows. The Titans went 12-5 in 2022, winning the AFC South before losing in the playoffs to the Cincinnati Bengals.
Starting quarterback Ryan Tannehill had a strong season, throwing for 3,734 yards, 21 touchdowns, and just four interceptions. So many wondered if Willis was brought in to compete with Tannehill or if he’d sit and learn for the foreseeable future.
A brutal 41-7 blowout loss to the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 did nothing to quiet the speculation. Willis came off the bench late in the game and went 1-of-4 for 6 yards in mop-up action. He also ran the ball four times for 16 yards and a fumble.
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel hasn’t played Willis since. But now it appears he’ll have no choice.
Malik Willis To Make First NFL Start Against Houston Texans
Tennessee has rebounded well since the blowout against the Bills and currently sits atop the AFC South at 4-2. But things could be tough on Sunday against the surprisingly pesky Houston Texans.
That’s because the Titans will be without Tannehill according to ESPN’s Turron Davenport.
Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill, who missed a second straight day of practice Saturday because of a stomach bug, has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against the Houston Texans.
Rookie quarterback Malik Willis took the majority of the first-team snaps in practice this week and will get his first NFL start against the Texans. The Titans also called up quarterback Logan Woodside from the practice squad on Saturday. – via ESPN
In his stead, Willis will make his first career NFL start. Tannehill had started a franchise-record 49 consecutive games. But Titans fans are now excited to see what they’ve got in Willis.
Feeling both, excited and nervous to see how Malik Willis does Sunday.
And he sounds, so calm! 😆https://t.co/eebFkhFj4c
— The Voice of One! (@jeolmoz2) October 29, 2022
Do I heard Malik Willis starting for the @Titans Sunday. I’m excited to see this.
— Leonard Firestone (@1LFirestone) October 29, 2022
Tannehill is definitely going to get his job back but I’m really excited to watch Willis because his college tape was just a lot of fun.
— Johnny Kinsley (@Brickwallblitz) October 29, 2022
Brace yourself football fans, Malik Willis SZN is upon us.