The wait was much longer than anyone projected, but Malik Willis was finally drafted in the third round when the Tennessee Titans traded up for their potential quarterback of the future.
The ultra-talented Willis enters into an ideal situation, where he can sit behind Ryan Tannehill for a season and eventually emerge as an exciting dual-threat.
There is much upside and promise for Willis as a fantasy starter down the line. He has an absolute rocket of an arm and is an explosive runner.
He could eventually become a Michael Vick type — a very productive fantasy performer with an unlimited ceiling in any week. But Vick was also an erratic passer, so Willis must work on his accuracy and touch to reach his potential.
Malik Willis NFL Draft Outlook
There is no doubting Willis as a dual talent. He throws a tremendous deep ball and is a dazzling and exciting runner who can be very dangerous in the open field. He also anticipates pressure well at times and can escape to burn the defense with spectacular plays.
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But Willis lacks a lot of polish entering the pros, which is likely why Desmond Ridder was drafted ahead of him. He has to work on going through his progressions effectively, and he needs considerable cleanup on some of his mechanics.
Willis will have to show he can consistently operate the offense well enough to sustain drives and keep the chains moving. He’ll also have to be coached up to improve his accuracy and timing.
Malik Willis Fantasy Football QB Tips
Even if proves to be an inconsistent passer, as long as Willis plays well enough to hold onto a starting job, he will have a lot of fantasy appeal. He is certainly a special runner and will easily be the first QB off the board in dynasty rookie drafts, where he should be a first-rounder.
Willis may not start as a rookie, but the Titans could move on from Tannehill after the 2022 season, opening the door for Willis to emerge as a fantasy QB1. If Tannehill is willing to be a teacher, Willis can only benefit over the long haul.
We may not see much of him at all as a rookie, but Willis’s fantasy arrow will be pointing up in 2023.
Malik Willis Scouting Report
Strengths
- Rocket arm, ball comes out like being shot from a cannon
- Throws a terrific deep ball, very Russell Wilson-like
- Major upside as a runner
Weaknesses
- Raw and will need to work to polish his game
- Accuracy and timing are significant concerns
