Denver Broncos ranking top five 2022 NFL Draft quarterbacks

Denver Broncos 2022 Draft option #2: Malik Willis, Liberty

If there is one quarterback who quickly closed the gap on Carson Strong, it is Malik Willis. Willis fits the mold of the new quarterback with a strong arm and game-breaking ability as a runner. He singlehandedly put Hugh Freeze’s Liberty and himself on the map due to his play in 2020. In some ways, Willis can change the outcome of games through his mobility and has an arm skill set to possibly mold him into an exciting prospect.

Willis is the one quarterback worth taking a chance based solely on tools. He is dripping with traits in today’s NFL that can make him a franchise quarterback for a team. Arm strength is right there with Carson Strong with added running ability.

There are a few struggling areas Willis will need to correct to turn him into a nightmare on a football field. Willis most importantly has to show he will not rely on his legs more than his arm. Another is showing consistency with that arm to be a deadly dual-threat weapon. Make no mistake though, Willis is a dual-threat weapon. He just needs refinement with decision-making and accuracy.

At Liberty, it is hard to know whether it was the receiver’s fault or Willis’. Decision-making and accuracy also beg the question of whether Willis was wanting to do too much for the betterment of the team. This helps and can hurt a team. Yet, when it shows it’s a “wow factor.” Obviously in the NFL, Willis will have far more professional coaching than in college. It would then be up to Willis to turn the coaching to the field.

If it all comes to fruition for Willis he might remind people of Kyler Murray with the blend of playmaking as both a runner and thrower. It is still predicated on being in the right offense and possibly one that can gear it to his skill set. With Nathaniel Hackett’s influence in the RPO-style offense, maybe Willis may have a chance at landing as a Denver Broncos draft pick.