Why did we pass on Malik Willis?

Hell... Hendon Hooker is further along than Willis.

 

I hear You...,but I couldn't do it as a GM. Using a pick on a Guy ....I can't even use as a backup for fear of ruining Him....in hopes He might be good someday....when every team has a need somewhere that they could use that draft pick on. JMO

 

Hooker is further along than either Richardson or Willis, and it isn't close. I've got some doubts about him, but he played at a high level in the best conference in the country.

 

That's one of the issues with how players are evaluated today. In the 60's, 70's and so forth, it was expected that QB's might take even 5 years to become a credible and effective NFL QB. Not always the case, some came in and lit it up, others were in a terrible situation and found success far later (see Jim Plunkett's career.). I understand that the college game has evolved, far more run NFL type O's, in the major conferences they face more NFL calibar players, but the Cap just does not allow time to build around a 3-4 year project. If he is a first rounder you have the 5th year option..still expensive, but bottom line you are going to have to pay a premium for years of investment. Someone will probably take the leap, no doubt he has talent, but the QB busts going that high outnumber the stars.

 

Richardson is Jamarcus Russell 2.0. I actually saw one mock draft where the Panthers drafted him no. 1 overall.

 

Richardson might have a chance to make it if he goes to the right team, he probably needs to sit his rookie season.

 

I agree in that players are evaluated horribly currently because of the salary cap. They want a superstar QB as early as possible to try to cash in on a SB with the money being spent everywhere BUT the QB position. To me it shouldn't matter as much though because QB's can play easily into their late 30's provided their main asset is their pocket passing ability. Early 30's if otherwise. Most teams would give up a TON for 5-7 years of elite QB play and I'll never know why its a huge problem for them to hit their prime at 27 to play until they're 36-37 instead of HAVING to have them be in their prime at 24. Theoretically it buys a couple more years, but if the end result is a top 5 QB in the league... who cares imo.

That is why I was never on the "Kenny has to start year one or it was a waste" train. If he is in his prime at 26 or 27 we still get a good decade of elite play if he makes it that far. I'd rather have that then bet on someone lesser just because if it works out we get 13 years instead of 10.

 

Jamarcus Russell was fat and lazy. Richardson doesn't give those vibes. He may end up being a bust, but I highly doubt its because he looks like a D Lineman before his rookie deal expires.

 

Are you now willing to admit this was a really dumb post

It’s ok I don’t expect a quick answer you usually only pop up if the Steelers have a loss

 

I don't think he's of the same mentality. I think he genuinely wants to get better and doesn't think his physical talent will be enough to do that.

 

Hell, after one year, the Titans passed on Malik Willis.

 

Just imagine if we drafted him at 20

He will now be #3 on the depth chart of the Titans. Unless they release him.

And no I still wouldn't want him as a back up.

 

Maybe...We shall see.
I know this....I don't know any other position that You can be below average at in college, and just because You run fast, throw far,and jump great You can be picked in the top 10. Those types of Guys are later round picks....especially when they come from schools like Florida.
I don't know if Indy knows this , but He could run fast , and throw far in Florida, and It didn't help Him, or His team one bit.

 

Hey I'm with you I was able to watch quite a few of his games and didn't see top 5 pick QB there!

 

I'm sorry My Friend. I didn't mean to imply You weren't. I was just replying.

 

2 turnovers for Willis in the first half....

 

Ugly game so far. 3 turnovers by each team at halftime.

 

Justin Fields 3/3 129 yds 2TDs

Gosh i hope Pickett can someday be like him.

 

context matter in each stats too

 

Chicago is so dang good at the WR screen
I hope our offense can be this good at it someday

 

LoL. LoL. You do make me laugh. I like how You jumped on something else. LoL

 

Even Malik Willis would pass on Malik Willis.

 

The kid did have a decent game against da Bears. He’ll be a Mason Rudolph type backup. Definitely doesn’t have the ceiling that Pickett has

 

It was pretty well understood in the 2022 draft that Kenny Pickett was the most pro-ready QB available. The knock on Malik Willis was he left a big program to play at a smaller school and was going to be a project.

 

That wasn't the only knock. He played in an incredible simple system in college, one that didn't even ask him to make many reads. There was no way to know if he could possibly adapt to a pro system. He also demonstrated very poor pocket presence in college.