At the 2022 NFL Draft, Liberty quarterback Malik Willis was labeled as a raw talent and the potential to develop into a good NFL QB.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The flashes of talent he displayed during his two years at Liberty enchanted scouts with visions of dual-threat QBs like Lamar Jackson, which further boosted his attractiveness.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But as the draft progressed, Willis tumbled down the board until the Tennessee Titans traded up with the Las Vegas Raiders to select him in the third round with the 86th overall pick.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Some celebrated the selection while others, like CBS Sports’ Pete Prisco, bashed him.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
“He’s not a quarterback,” exclaimed a defiant Prisco<\/a>. “What he did at Liberty is not close to playing quarterback in the NFL. He looks like a running back. He tucks the ball, one read and run…I don’t like the player. I think he’s a second or third-round pick in my book.” <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prisco got the last part of his tirade right. And to be fair, Willis did nothing last season<\/a> to justify his potential.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The team went 1-2 with Willis as its starter, during which he threw for 276 yards with 0 TDs and 3 INTs. He also rushed for 123 yards and 1 TD.<\/p>\n\n\n\n His detractors are quick to criticize his performance but fail to acknowledge that Willis was a rookie on a team that lacked weapons outside of Derrick Henry.<\/p>