2022 NFL Mock Draft: Malik Willis in the top 5, Cowboys get elite EDGE
By Randy Gurzi
Scouting Report. Pick Analysis. QB. 4. player. Liberty. Malik Willis. 54
4. Philadelphia Eagles: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Jalen Hurts has a huge opportunity ahead of him in 2021 as he enters the year as the starting quarterback for the Philadelphia Eagles. He did enough to convince the team to roll with him this season (they did have a chance at Justin Fields in the 2021 NFL Draft) but if they end up with a pick this high in the draft, as they do in this mock, it’s unlikely he will remain the starter. That’s why this selection is used to land Malik Willis, a dual-threat quarterback from Liberty.
Liberty might not be a hotbed for NFL talent but Willis looks to be the exception. He’s made several huge plays already in his career although one stood out for Harry Lyles, Jr. of ESPN. Lyles discusses a fourth-down conversion made by Willis against Virginia Tech — saying it would have been a sack for just about anyone else but turned into a first-down near the goal-line for Willis. He also quoted quarterback coach Sean McEvoy who raved about the throw.
"“‘I’m not sure what other quarterback in college football, and it’s gotta be a small list in the NFL that can make that play’, said Sean McEvoy, one of Willis’ private QB coaches who also works with a plethora of the best collegiate and pro quarterbacks.” – Harry Lyles, Jr. ESPN"
Willis does need to continue to grow as a player this season but as long as he does, he will be one of the first few quarterbacks off the board in the 2022 NFL Draft and he lands in the top-five here.