When the opening round of the 2022 NFL Draft starts next week in Las Vegas, fans in attendance shouldn't count on five quarterback prospects being taken in the first 15 selections. Unlike the 2021 draft class -- which was headlined by a consensus top-overall pick, in Trevor Lawrence -- this year's crop of passers doesn't have a "can't miss" player. It's unclear which signal-caller will come off the board first, based on the league's reputable mock drafts.
The NFL announced last week that 21 prospects plan to be in attendance for the draft, and one of the two quarterbacks who'll be anxiously waiting to hear his name called backstage is Liberty standout Malik Willis. Although the NFL's projections are wide-ranging, the 22-year-old has clear first-round potential to quarterback-needy teams. And his former head coach believes one franchise will be rewarded for drafting Willis -- whenever the time comes.
"In this class, I just don't think there's another guy -- with the way the game's being played now -- who has that potential to be an absolute home run more than Malik," Liberty coach Hugh Freeze told The Zach Gelb Show on Tuesday. "He's truly the most humble yet most talented kid I've ever coached, which is real rare. He doesn't get caught up in what the social media world says about him. He's determined to be an incredible leader in the locker room...
"There's still a lot for Malik to learn -- he's only played quarterback two years, and he's just now scratching the surface... I just don't see how you don't give a guy [a chance] who has the leadership, character, arm strength, IQ, and the athleticism... Obviously, no one can argue with those traits he has. It's just a matter of time before he processes everything, that whatever team gets him, he becomes their guy... He absolutely has the capability [to start right away]."
Willis, who's listed at 6-foot-1 and 219 pounds, is currently the second-ranked quarterback and 25th overall prospect on the Pro Football Focus draft board. As an electric playmaker who possesses dual-threat abilities, he finished the 2021 season with 40 all-purpose touchdowns (27 throwing, 13 rushing), and amassed 2,857 passing yards with a 61.1 completion percentage. His QBR of 70.0 ranked 36th in the country, and his 12 interceptions tied for 111th.
Despite playing for a small independent team that faces inferior competition, Willis should overcome the leaguewide stigma. He made a strong impression during the NFL Combine in March, showcasing his arm strength and accuracy in workouts. Willis reportedly interviewed well with teams, and also received praise when cameras caught him helping a homeless person in Indianapolis. Only eight players have ever been drafted from Liberty, and Willis is going to be the first quarterback.
The entire Liberty football conversation between Freeze and Gelb can be accessed in the audio player above.
You can follow The Zach Gelb Show on Twitter @ZachGelb and Tom Hanslin @TomHanslin.