In case you weren’t sure, Malik Willis is the “QB1” for the Pittsburgh Steelers in the upcoming Draft. The Liberty University star held his Pro Day on Tuesday in front of the same two head coaches that saw Kenny Pickett on Monday. Matt Rhule of Carolina and Mike Tomlin of the Steelers. The only difference was that Willis had way more other NFL personnel on hand than did Pickett. Does that mean anything? Who knows?
Like most quarterbacks on their respective Pro Days, Willis looked sensational. He uncorked a 65-yard throw while on the move and looked really good on literally every throw an NFL QB would make. Keep in mind there is no rush and no one covering the receivers. This is against air and the only thing stopping a perfect performance is butterfingers on a receiver. Willis did not do any other skills or agilities today. He threw 70 or so passes and that was it.
If you go back to the week of the Senior Bowl, Mike Tomlin spent more time watching Willis than he did any other player. He even introduced himself to Willis’ father. Last evening, Willis had dinner with Tomlin which is always important. When Tomlin has dinner with prospective draftees that’s always a clear sign that the interest is massive. Willis’ reaction to Tomlin eating chicken wings was priceless. “Mike Tomlin’s eating chicken wings! He’s a normal dude!” Whether Tomlin had a meal with Kenny Pickett is uncertain but don’t laugh, it’s usually a major indicator of who the team drafts.
In terms of ability, Willis has the highest ceiling of any QB in this draft. He’s got the biggest arm and is probably the best and fastest runner. He will however need at least a season holding the clipboard. The experience and knowledge of the pro game just isn’t there with him but Tomlin and Kevin Colbert have all of us wondering if they aren’t willing to draft him and give him a redshirt year or two.
Willis checks a lot of boxes on the field and many of them off it too. This isn’t to say other QBs in this draft aren’t good guys but the fact that Willis is makes him even more enticing to an organization that loves those who represent it well. As of right now I think Willis has done too much to be available at 20. The Steelers will likely need to move up and I’m just not sure that’s a great idea considering their many needs elsewhere. It wouldn’t surprise me though to see Tomlin and the Steelers somehow land Willis.
Feature image courtesy cbssports.com
