Senior Bowl: Malik Willis Improves Draft Stock In Mobile

Malik Willis’ sensational Senior Bowl week has him skyrocketing up many draft boards, and while the former Liberty quarterback did not get many opportunities to showcase his talents Feb. 5, the work he put in over his time in Mobile, Alabama, has significantly elevated his draft capital. 

Willis checked into Mobile Jan. 31, getting his first official NFL trading card, and joined his team — the American team — where he was paired with UNC quarterback Sam Howell and Western Kentucky quarterback Bailey Zappe. The Detroit Lions coached the American team while the New York Jets coached the National team, which featured quarterbacks Kenny Pickett (Pitt), Carson Strong (Nevada) and Desmond
Ridder (Cincinnati). 

The Senior Bowl was a huge opportunity for Willis to showcase his skill set. Other than the NFL combine, the game was Willis’ only chance to drill on the same playing field as other draft-eligible quarterbacks. 

On the first full day of practices Tuesday, Feb. 1, Willis demonstrated his upside and downside, showcasing a powerful arm but a few accuracy and footwork issues. Following practice, he spoke to Pittsburgh Steelers Head Coach Mike Tomlin and Offensive Coordinator Matt Canada. Pittsburgh needs a quarterback following Ben Roethlisberger’s retirement, and Willis has been linked to the Steel City for a while. 

Wednesday was huge for Willis. Pouring rain engulfed Mobile, but Willis did not seem to be phased by the elements, tightening up his accuracy and showcasing his physical talent. 

Willis clocked the highest initial air speed for a football in Senior Bowl history (75.7 mph) and had the highest average initial air speed (48.5 mph). In a post-practice accuracy contest, Willis was the only quarterback to hit the back-corner trash can in South Alabama’s indoor facility on a 30-yard toss. 

He was named the top quarterback on the American team in a vote from defensive teammates at practice, giving him the start in Saturday’s game. 

In the game, Willis only played two drives. He went 2-4 for 11 yards (not including a deep ball that drew a defensive pass interference penalty) and gained 54 yards on four rushes. 

The quarterback will likely come out of Mobile pleased as he put himself in a position to solidify a first-round draft pick and potentially a top-10 pick. 

Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell praised Willis’ athleticism.

“I think he throws a nice ball,” Campbell said. “I think he’s pretty athletic … looks like he’s built to last.” 

ESPN senior NFL draft analyst Todd McShay also noted Willis’ play.

“If Malik Willis isn’t the first quarterback off the board, I’d be shocked if he’s not the second,” McShay said. 

Willis was also able to speak to the media on several occasions, and he put in a good word for all players from lesser well-known football programs. 

“Football is football. You’ve got to come out and play,” Willis said. “You all do us dirty because we’re a little small school, but football is football. They work out every day, and we work out every day.”

Willis’ next major event is preparation for the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis, which begins March 1. After the combine, Liberty will hold its pro day March 24 to showcase its draft-eligible players and give them NFL exposure. 

Randle is the sports editor. Follow him on Twitter