5 quarterback prospects the Vikings could draft in 2022
By Luke Parrish
Malik Willis (Liberty)
Measurements:
- Height: 6-foot-1 | Weight: 215 pounds
2020 Stats:
- 2,250 passing yards
- 944 rushing yards
- 34 total TDs
After serving as a backup quarterback at Auburn for two seasons, Malik Willis transferred to Liberty and has been on a tear ever since. He started for the Flames last season and became one of the most exciting players to watch in college football. His strong season helped get Liberty into the top 25 while also helping Willis catch the eyes of the NFL.
The combination of arm and leg talent could very well push Willis into the QB1 conversation between now and next April. The debate of which quarterback has the strongest arm in the class is a two-person race between Willis and Carson Strong.
Accuracy can hinder Willis at times, as he tends to be just a hair off with his ball placement, especially when he’s pressured. NC State gave him some trouble last season, but his offensive line and receivers did not do him any favors either. Luckily for Willis, his legs are more than just a threat. He can turn any would-be sack into a 70-yard scamper for a score.
Willis throws a beautiful deep ball and does a great job of extending plays to help make those deep shots happen. He can fire the ball into any tight window once he sets his feet and squares his shoulders. The upside of Willis, both as a passer and runner, cannot be overstated.
Some mock drafts have Willis going first overall, and while that may be a bit of a stretch right now, it is a testament to how impressive he was last season and how much better he can become.