4 first-round prospects the Minnesota Vikings should avoid in 2022

Malik Willis – QB (Liberty)

As stated previously, the relationship between Kirk Cousins and the Minnesota Vikings should come to an end sooner rather than later. Whether that’s with a trade or letting his contract expire, the front office cannot commit to any sort of extension and especially as the quarterback is reportedly not willing to take any sort of concessions to assist his team in 2022.

If the Vikings are seriously considering a quarterback prospect at No. 12 overall, then there is a high chance Malik Willis will enter their discussion. There is perhaps no player at the position who has done more for their draft stock during the evaluation process, with the former Liberty stud showing his elite arm talent at the Senior Bowl and NFL Scouting Combine to put himself in top-10 contention.

Although there is much to like about what Willis could potentially become once he gets further coaching at the next level, one cannot ignore the clear flaws from his game film in college. In particular, he is a rash decision-maker that gets off reads quickly and his production against Ole Miss – the only SEC foe he faced all year – was far from stellar.

This cannot be ignored. However, nobody is expecting Willis to come in and take the NFL by storm right away. Anyone drafting the prospect should see him as a work in progress before taking that next leap and becoming a starting option.

Minnesota might not risk such a move. Especially considering they could get their hands on a Day 1 starting-caliber talent once Cousins leaves in 2023.