Throughout the pre-draft process, Liberty quarterback Malik Willis has established himself as one of, if not the most coveted prospects amongst this year’s class of signal-callers. As the build-up to the draft now shifts towards team meetings, ESPN’s Adam Schefter reports (on Twitter) that Willis will meet with the Panthers and Falcons next week. 
Those two teams have long been involved in speculation with respect to drafting a QB this April. Carolina has Sam Darnold under contract for one more season since they picked up his fifth-year option, but general manager Scott Fitterer spoke recently about the possibility of drafting his replacement with the sixth overall pick.
“This will be interesting because the tackles will be the best players on the board. But we do need a quarterback, and at some point you have to take a shot, especially in the top 10” he said, adding that the decision to take a quarterback is complicated by the fact that this year’s class lacks a clear-cut top option.
The Falcons, a fellow runner-up to land Deshaun Watson, have questions of their own at the position. After trading away Matt Ryan, they signed Marcus Mariota to a two-year contract. The former Titan and Raider is in line to start for the first time since 2019, but he would likely provide a short-term solution at the position at best. That has made Atlanta – who holds the eighth overall pick – a prime candidate to draft their next franchise QB in April.
Schefter notes that Willis has already met with a number of other teams, including the Steelers, Saints, Giants and Titans. Given their respective current QB status and position in the draft, each of those clubs would likely have at least some interest in adding Willis as well. Overall, his will be one of the most important names to watch as the draft draws nearer.
Quarterback may be the most important position on the field, but I can’t understand the thought process of some of these teams that appear ready to reach for one this year. It’s kinda like trading back in the draft and getting nothing for it.
Somebody’s going to move into the top five for Willis. Maybe as high as 2. I agree no QB in this draft is worthy of a top 5 pick but position importance and desperation, several QB needy teams picking 6-9 (including two division rivals) along with Willis’ upside is a perfect storm for it to happen.
Top 5? I don’t think there is a QB worthy of a first round pick in this draft. I could see taking Willis at the bottom of the first for the 5th year option, he’s going to be a project and will take time to develop so that option will be necessary.
But somebody will jump for him. Look at Trey Lance, guy had no business going where he went but teams get starved for that next great thing and can’t help themselves.
I think Lance was a reach where he went but he was widely considered a top 12 pick. Willis would not be a top 5 QB in last years draft or in 2023. Taking him in the top 10 will set back a franchise, because now you are committed to him for at least 3 to 4 years.
Taking a shot on a QB makes more sense for CAR than ATL. Rhule on hot seat and their roster is actually decent.
ATL will stink regardless and their QB will not be set up for success. They should load on talent this year, tank and take a QB next year.
Except it’s hard to picture Willis being good as a rookie. I don’t know if Rhule can be saved. Then you have to find a coach who likes the developmental QB they took. Not a great situation they’ve put themselves in.
Actually, I would argue the opposite. If you’re Rhule and in need of saving your job, wouldn’t you rather bank on a veteran such as Baker, who has at least shown he can be a successful pro at times? In the case of Willis, you would be relying on an extremely raw albeit talented prospect without seasoning.
Conversely, Atlanta can tank with Mariota for a year while Willis learns from the bench. In the meantime, they could accumulate assets and rebuild weak points (receiver, offensive line) until Willis is ready to start.
This is not to suggest Willis should be taken in the top ten (a trade down would make sense), but I don’t think Atlanta should completely eliminate QB from their draft board
One of the many intriguing parts of the draft is to see who transitions to the NFL and those who falter? QBs get the headlines and Willis sure looks like a winner. I geee that someone will be jumping in front of another QB team to grab him up.
It’s a tough game to play. Reaching on a QB in the top 10 seems foolish if you don’t think the QB has the potential be a championship caliber QB in about 5 years…
I say just take the best available player. Use your top picks to fill your team with the best talent available (which could be a QB). Then see where the dominoes fall and adjust. You can draft a difference maker outside of the top 5. Usually happens because teams reach on QBs.
Makes sense for Carolina as I would expect them to have a meeting with every QB that is in this draft and even some emergency QBs. I have a funny feeling that Matt Rhule has no clue what his intentions are right now. I still think Kenny Pickett is the guy in Carolina when the smoke clears.
Atlanta should not take QB this year but last time I checked Arthur Blank is still writing the checks there. If he wants a guy, he is going to get that guy. Falcons really should be looking BPA but Blank likes to throw some wrenches.
I think Willis is going to be a Top 5 selection. Should he be, that is up for the professionals to debate. He has alot of talent to work with.