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Steelers Showing Early Interest in Liberty QB Malik Willis

Discussion in 'The Bill Nunn Draft Room' started by SteelersfaninPhilly, Feb 1, 2022.

Page 14 of 18

Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

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Nov 4, 2011
steelersrule6 said: ↑

Did you watch the Ole Miss film ?
Click to expand...

He did, but it’s just a repressed memory now.

Steel_Elvis, Mar 4, 2022

Steel_Elvis, Mar 4, 2022

#326
- Like x 1
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Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

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SGSteeler said: ↑

I totally understand why people are going to fall for this guy. He has incredible arm talent and he can make plays that other QB's and prospects cannot. I think Malik's overall game is less than ideal and I cant deny that fact. I understand its not the "oh he cant make reads thing" because quite frankly, most college offenses aren't built that way. That is going to be a question for nearly 100% of college QB prospects entering the NFL draft with very few exceptions. I don't want to say I am some expert on QB play or anything, but I didn't know much about him so I watched some games of him. Not highlights, but actual full games. Namely the Virginia Tech game, a Syracuse game, an NC State game, and the Ole Miss game live. He was just so maddening to watch. Maybe I just got unlucky and caught some bad games, but there were just so few things that I liked. I see his future as needing to be heavily sheltered in the offense in the NFL and will essentially need to be fed lots of rollouts, easy reads, and RPO's

He has accuracy issues and consistency issues. He does better on deep balls than intermediate to short balls, but he would just straight up miss wide open players (sometimes over their head or in the dirt, but often just too far behind or ahead of the WR that he cant even get a hand on it). His WR's would have to adjust to a very large number of the balls thrown their way, even the ones that should be routine. Its almost as if he is better slightly off balance or on the run. He missed way too many easy ones. He is a plus runner, but not spectacular. Fairly elusive and has some power. Made some really good moves that stood out in a couple of the games, but he isn't going to be mistaken for Lamar Jackson any time soon. He made some nice plays maneuvering in the pocket, but only if the guy is coming at him straight on. He doesn't "feel" or recognize pressure coming from his sides very well and it led to some bad sacks and turnovers (this is one of the things I HATE about Rudolph currently). He has poor ball security, and had a weird number of snaps he just dropped for no apparent reason. I think his mechanics can be cleaned up, so that doesn't bother me much. He does keep his eyes downfield while scrambling quite often, so that is a plus. Some of his more memorable plays are when he eludes the pocket and makes a splash play with his arm instead of just tucking it. I definitely like that about him. His decision making is lacking, he fires dangerous balls pretty consistently. I appreciate the confidence in himself but I felt like I'd have a heart attack if he was wearing the Steelers' uni during these games. He did look a bit better in 2020 than 2021, but I fear that he is a beneficiary of dunking on some bad competition and really struggling when the competition was more even or he was on the worse team.

I really don't think I am coming at this misinformed/underinformed. I know you aren't either, we just come away with different feelings from his play, and that's OK. Willis made some really awesome plays, that is undeniable. He has a really good arm. But I just came away frustrated with him more than anything. He will be a superhero for a few plays here and there and be just downright bad otherwise. He has far too many deficiencies in crucial areas for me to be comfortable projecting him as a future NFL starter. There are just too many other solid options for me to consider him in this year's draft. I like Howell, Pickett, Corral and Ridder all better than Willis. I know he is going to go early and I will cheer like hell for him to succeed if the Steelers are the team that rolls the dice on him. I would just prefer if we didn't.
Click to expand...

A good take. I think his potential upside is great, but I just think that the odds of him actually achieving that upside (or even getting close) are not good. First round QBs fail around 2/3 of the time as it is, and he’s a year or two behind in development. He’s getting by exclusively on physical talent right now. I’ve seen too many QBs with physical talent fail, both pocket passers and running QBs.

If we do take him, I will root hard for him though. And it will be really easy to root for him if he’s as good a person as he seems to be. I love his humble demeanor in interviews. If we do take him, I hope we don’t try to change him too much. Don’t make him think so much that he turns into a game manager like Tyrod Taylor. Get WRs who can play off script to go with him.

One other thing: while I don’t think he’s the right QB for us, I do think we could be the right team for him. I can’t think of another franchise that will be as patient with his development.

Steel_Elvis, Mar 4, 2022

Steel_Elvis, Mar 4, 2022

#327
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S.T.D Well-Known Member

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Steel_Elvis said: ↑

A good take. I think his potential upside is great, but I just think that the odds of him actually achieving that upside (or even getting close) are not good. First round QBs fail around 2/3 of the time as it is, and he’s a year or two behind in development. He’s getting by exclusively on physical talent right now. I’ve seen too many QBs with physical talent fail, both pocket passers and running QBs.

If we do take him, I will root hard for him though. And it will be really easy to root for him if he’s as good a person as he seems to be. I love his humble demeanor in interviews. If we do take him, I hope we don’t try to change him too much. Don’t make him think so much that he turns into a game manager like Tyrod Taylor. Get WRs who can play off script to go with him.

One other thing: while I don’t think he’s the right QB for us, I do think we could be the right team for him. I can’t think of another franchise that will be as patient with his development.
Click to expand...

I feel a weakening in the force.

S.T.D, Mar 4, 2022

S.T.D, Mar 4, 2022

#328
- Hilarious x 1
Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

16,221

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Nov 4, 2011
S.T.D said: ↑

I feel a weakening in the force.
Click to expand...

Preparing myself for acceptance. Call it a coping mechanism.

Steel_Elvis, Mar 4, 2022

Steel_Elvis, Mar 4, 2022

#329
- Hilarious x 2
- Like x 1
Blast Furnace Staff Member Mod Team

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Oct 16, 2011

SGSteeler said: ↑

I totally understand why people are going to fall for this guy. He has incredible arm talent and he can make plays that other QB's and prospects cannot. I think Malik's overall game is less than ideal and I cant deny that fact. I understand its not the "oh he cant make reads thing" because quite frankly, most college offenses aren't built that way. That is going to be a question for nearly 100% of college QB prospects entering the NFL draft with very few exceptions. I don't want to say I am some expert on QB play or anything, but I didn't know much about him so I watched some games of him. Not highlights, but actual full games. Namely the Virginia Tech game, a Syracuse game, an NC State game, and the Ole Miss game live. He was just so maddening to watch. Maybe I just got unlucky and caught some bad games, but there were just so few things that I liked. I see his future as needing to be heavily sheltered in the offense in the NFL and will essentially need to be fed lots of rollouts, easy reads, and RPO's

He has accuracy issues and consistency issues. He does better on deep balls than intermediate to short balls, but he would just straight up miss wide open players (sometimes over their head or in the dirt, but often just too far behind or ahead of the WR that he cant even get a hand on it). His WR's would have to adjust to a very large number of the balls thrown their way, even the ones that should be routine. Its almost as if he is better slightly off balance or on the run. He missed way too many easy ones. He is a plus runner, but not spectacular. Fairly elusive and has some power. Made some really good moves that stood out in a couple of the games, but he isn't going to be mistaken for Lamar Jackson any time soon. He made some nice plays maneuvering in the pocket, but only if the guy is coming at him straight on. He doesn't "feel" or recognize pressure coming from his sides very well and it led to some bad sacks and turnovers (this is one of the things I HATE about Rudolph currently). He has poor ball security, and had a weird number of snaps he just dropped for no apparent reason. I think his mechanics can be cleaned up, so that doesn't bother me much. He does keep his eyes downfield while scrambling quite often, so that is a plus. Some of his more memorable plays are when he eludes the pocket and makes a splash play with his arm instead of just tucking it. I definitely like that about him. His decision making is lacking, he fires dangerous balls pretty consistently. I appreciate the confidence in himself but I felt like I'd have a heart attack if he was wearing the Steelers' uni during these games. He did look a bit better in 2020 than 2021, but I fear that he is a beneficiary of dunking on some bad competition and really struggling when the competition was more even or he was on the worse team.

I really don't think I am coming at this misinformed/underinformed. I know you aren't either, we just come away with different feelings from his play, and that's OK. Willis made some really awesome plays, that is undeniable. He has a really good arm. But I just came away frustrated with him more than anything. He will be a superhero for a few plays here and there and be just downright bad otherwise. He has far too many deficiencies in crucial areas for me to be comfortable projecting him as a future NFL starter. There are just too many other solid options for me to consider him in this year's draft. I like Howell, Pickett, Corral and Ridder all better than Willis. I know he is going to go early and I will cheer like hell for him to succeed if the Steelers are the team that rolls the dice on him. I would just prefer if we didn't.
Click to expand...

Thats cool and I make that point many times, two people can come away with completely different evaluations after watching the same film. About the only thing I can agree with on what you said is he has put some bad tape out there but also a lot of great things.

Also, keep in mind this guys line was atrocious and wasn’t exactly brimming with talent around him at skilled positions.

I think with his abilities and his arm that once he gets some talent around him, skys the limit. Might take a year like Rob said but I’m cool with that. Do Steelers fans really think they will win the SB with some other rookie QB or Rudolph for that matter?

Draft Willis and you will have a guy to go head to head with the rest of the QB’s in that division. If they don’t draft Willis then I hope its Corall. In some ways I prefer Corall, I think he is safer with also a high ceiling. Howell and Picket round out my QB wish list.

Blast Furnace, Mar 4, 2022

Blast Furnace, Mar 4, 2022

#330
S.T.D Well-Known Member

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Dec 23, 2020
Steel_Elvis said: ↑

Preparing myself for acceptance. Call it a coping mechanism.
Click to expand...

I hear You. That's the same here. I've been looking at every bright spot I can find incase. LoL. While still arguing with Blast Furnace. LoL

S.T.D, Mar 4, 2022

S.T.D, Mar 4, 2022

#331
- Like x 1
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S.T.D Well-Known Member

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Dec 23, 2020
Blast Furnace said: ↑

Thats cool and I make that point many times, two people can come away with completely different evaluations after watching the same film. About the only thing I can agree with on what you said is he has put some bad tape out there but also a lot of great things.

Also, keep in mind this guys line was atrocious and wasn’t exactly brimming with talent around him at skilled positions.

I think with his abilities and his arm that once he gets some talent around him, skys the limit. Might take a year like Rob said but I’m cool with that. Do Steelers fans really think they will win the SB with some other rookie QB or Rudolph for that matter?

Draft Willis and you will have a guy to go head to head with the rest of the QB’s in that division. If they don’t draft Willis then I hope its Corall. In some ways I prefer Corall, I think he is safer with also a high ceiling. Howell and Picket round out my QB wish list.
Click to expand...

Why in the Senior Bowl then did He (M. Willis) look like one of the worst Qbs out there???
See . The more I watch (not combine) the games the more I'm going Howell, or C. Kelley. Though I promise I will root for whomever it is.....even if I initially throw up 1st.

S.T.D, Mar 4, 2022

S.T.D, Mar 4, 2022

#332
- Hilarious x 1
SGSteeler Well-Known Member

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Sep 9, 2013
Blast Furnace said: ↑

Thats cool and I make that point many times, two people can come away with completely different evaluations after watching the same film. About the only thing I can agree with on what you said is he has put some bad tape out there but also a lot of great things.

Also, keep in mind this guys line was atrocious and wasn’t exactly brimming with talent around him at skilled positions.

I think with his abilities and his arm that once he gets some talent around him, skys the limit. Might take a year like Rob said but I’m cool with that. Do Steelers fans really think they will win the SB with some other rookie QB or Rudolph for that matter?

Draft Willis and you will have a guy to go head to head with the rest of the QB’s in that division. If they don’t draft Willis then I hope its Corall. In some ways I prefer Corall, I think he is safer with also a high ceiling. Howell and Picket round out my QB wish list.
Click to expand...

Fair enough. Its not going to be right away no matter who we pick. Heck, even Burrow wasn't hot stuff his rookie year (although he definitely looked like he was going to be really good eventually). I like Corral too tho. TBH I think we are going to take a QB this year. Too much pointing to us doing it. I hope we get it right whoever it is.

SGSteeler, Mar 4, 2022

SGSteeler, Mar 4, 2022

#333
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SGSteeler Well-Known Member

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Steel_Elvis said: ↑

A good take. I think his potential upside is great, but I just think that the odds of him actually achieving that upside (or even getting close) are not good. First round QBs fail around 2/3 of the time as it is, and he’s a year or two behind in development. He’s getting by exclusively on physical talent right now. I’ve seen too many QBs with physical talent fail, both pocket passers and running QBs.

If we do take him, I will root hard for him though. And it will be really easy to root for him if he’s as good a person as he seems to be. I love his humble demeanor in interviews. If we do take him, I hope we don’t try to change him too much. Don’t make him think so much that he turns into a game manager like Tyrod Taylor. Get WRs who can play off script to go with him.

One other thing: while I don’t think he’s the right QB for us, I do think we could be the right team for him. I can’t think of another franchise that will be as patient with his development.
Click to expand...

I too think he seems like a good kid. Hard to tell in interviews, but he seems genuine. I also will cheer hard for him if we take him. I dont want to see him fail just because I don't think he is going to be awesome. But I totally buy that WE are the correct team for him. Just like the Ravens were the correct team for Jackson. Sometimes just going to the right franchise makes all the difference.

SGSteeler, Mar 4, 2022

SGSteeler, Mar 4, 2022

#334
Hanratty#5 Well-Known Member

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If we do take Willis we should also draft the Thornton kid from Baylor who ran a 4.26 yesterday. If nothing else have Willis several times a game heave the ball 75 yards downfield and let Thornton run under it.

Hanratty#5, Mar 4, 2022

Hanratty#5, Mar 4, 2022

#335
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AskQuestionsLater Writing Team

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Hanratty#5 said: ↑

If we do take Willis we should also draft the Thornton kid from Baylor who ran a 4.26 yesterday. If nothing else have Willis several times a game heave the ball 75 yards downfield and let Thornton run under it.
Click to expand...

Steelers have not met him yet... though I imagine they will when Baylor's Pro Day arrives. More often than not, at least two of the Steelers Scouting Brass is their yearly. Seriously doubt they will skip that program this time around.

AskQuestionsLater, Mar 4, 2022

AskQuestionsLater, Mar 4, 2022

#336
- Like x 1
mac daddyo Well-Known Member

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Oct 22, 2011
S.T.D said: ↑

Why in the Senior Bowl then did He (M. Willis) look like one of the worst Qbs out there???
See . The more I watch (not combine) the games the more I'm going Howell, or C. Kelley. Though I promise I will root for whomever it is.....even if I initially throw up 1st.
Click to expand...

the more i watch kelly the more i like this kid. i watched some of his older film too from arkansas and saw the same type of stuff. big arm, big guy and can run. not pretty like a gazelle but quite effective. seems like a more mobile young ben.

mac daddyo, Mar 5, 2022

mac daddyo, Mar 5, 2022

#337
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Hanratty#5 Well-Known Member

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mac daddyo said: ↑

the more i watch kelly the more i like this kid. i watched some of his older film too from arkansas and saw the same type of stuff. big arm, big guy and can run. not pretty like a gazelle but quite effective. seems like a more mobile young ben.
Click to expand...

He's even bigger than Ben at 6'7" and 260 lbs.

Hanratty#5, Mar 5, 2022

Hanratty#5, Mar 5, 2022

#338
- Agree x 1
mac daddyo Well-Known Member

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Hanratty#5 said: ↑

He's even bigger than Ben at 6'7" and 260 lbs.
Click to expand...

yep.

mac daddyo, Mar 5, 2022

mac daddyo, Mar 5, 2022

#339
- Agree x 1
Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

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Nov 4, 2011
Hanratty#5 said: ↑

If we do take Willis we should also draft the Thornton kid from Baylor who ran a 4.26 yesterday. If nothing else have Willis several times a game heave the ball 75 yards downfield and let Thornton run under it.
Click to expand...

I’d take it a step further. If we take Willis, we should look at our entire receiving corps and make sure that we have guys who can thrive off-script. It’s not going to just be about deep speed, but the instinctive “feel” of how to get free when the called play breaks down and to be able to get into an optimal position for Willis to see him and deliver.

Steel_Elvis, Mar 5, 2022

Steel_Elvis, Mar 5, 2022

#340
- Agree x 1
mac daddyo Well-Known Member

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Oct 22, 2011
Steel_Elvis said: ↑

I’d take it a step further. If we take Willis, we should look at our entire receiving corps and make sure that we have guys who can thrive off-script. It’s not going to just be about deep speed, but the instinctive “feel” of how to get free when the called play breaks down and to be able to get into an optimal position for Willis to see him and deliver.
Click to expand...

Yep. You head down towards the blue Buick and then turn around. You cut out at the no parking sign. You zig at the smiths front yard and zag at the Jones front yard. You stop and turn at the man hole cover. On one ready break.

Last edited: Mar 5, 2022

mac daddyo, Mar 5, 2022

mac daddyo, Mar 5, 2022

#341
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S.T.D Well-Known Member

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mac daddyo said: ↑

the more i watch kelly the more i like this kid. i watched some of his older film too from arkansas and saw the same type of stuff. big arm, big guy and can run. not pretty like a gazelle but quite effective. seems like a more mobile young ben.
Click to expand...

You also have 2 figure in that was during a transition between 2 coaches at Arkansas. Some our worst years. One of the reasons He left. That middle coach between the 3 was the worst Head coach I have ever seen,and that's what C. Kelley predominantly played with.
I just think We could fill the 1st round with needs,and get Him in the 2nd ,or possibly 3rd.

S.T.D, Mar 5, 2022

S.T.D, Mar 5, 2022

#342
S.T.D Well-Known Member

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Dec 23, 2020

Steel_Elvis said: ↑

I’d take it a step further. If we take Willis, we should look at our entire receiving corps and make sure that we have guys who can thrive off-script. It’s not going to just be about deep speed, but the instinctive “feel” of how to get free when the called play breaks down and to be able to get into an optimal position for Willis to see him and deliver.
Click to expand...

What We will need with M. Willis is Wrs way over 6 feet, and predominantly of color....like Neon color....maybe orange......so He can see them. LoL
Oh Geez!!!! I just made myself laugh.

S.T.D, Mar 5, 2022

S.T.D, Mar 5, 2022

#343
Jball Well-Known Member

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I'm also trying prepare myself for the Willis pick. I'll be pissed. Oh...I'll be pissed. But, let me say this, if we grab him at #20, without giving up any additional draft capital, I can live with it.

I'll watch the pick from within a body bag with my my pre-filled toe tag.

Jball, Mar 7, 2022

Jball, Mar 7, 2022

#344
- Hilarious x 1
Steel_Elvis Staff Member Mod Team

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Nov 4, 2011
Jball said: ↑

I'm also trying prepare myself for the Willis pick. I'll be pissed. Oh...I'll be pissed. But, let me say this, if we grab him at #20, without giving up any additional draft capital, I can live with it.

I'll watch the pick from within a body bag with my my pre-filled toe tag.
Click to expand...

Sounds like a hell of a draft party!

Steel_Elvis, Mar 7, 2022

Steel_Elvis, Mar 7, 2022

#345
- Hilarious x 2
mac daddyo Well-Known Member

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Oct 22, 2011
red flag if all these teams let him get to 20.

mac daddyo, Mar 7, 2022

mac daddyo, Mar 7, 2022

#346
- Winner x 1
Jball Well-Known Member

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Seattle will now be in play at #9 for a QB. Willis ain't making it to #20.

Jball, Mar 8, 2022

Jball, Mar 8, 2022

#347
- Like x 1
Rollers Well-Known Member

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Jball said: ↑

Seattle will now be in play at #9 for a QB. Willis ain't making it to #20.
Click to expand...

Correct. He will be long gone by the time we draft. I'm wondering where Cole Kelley is predicted to go in this draft

Rollers, Mar 8, 2022

Rollers, Mar 8, 2022

#348
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Rollers Well-Known Member

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Carson Strong could be there at 20

Rollers, Mar 8, 2022

Rollers, Mar 8, 2022

#349
S.T.D Well-Known Member

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Dec 23, 2020
Rollers said: ↑

Correct. He will be long gone by the time we draft. I'm wondering where Cole Kelley is predicted to go in this draft
Click to expand...

The Steelers...in the 3rd.

S.T.D, Mar 8, 2022

S.T.D, Mar 8, 2022

#350
- Dislike x 1

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