Malik Willis
Talk about electrifying on his very first attempt of the year Malik threw a bomb on a rope for a touchdown to start the game. The hype on the kid is real; he shows all the attributes of a player that’s going to be a star in the NFL.
Willis possesses the skill set that fits the way the NFL play style is headed. The ultimate dual-threat Quarterback with the perfect balance between speed and arm strength.
While playing pretty much lights out through the air, his mobility also shined. Willis ended with a stat line of 15-23 while throwing for 217 yards and one touchdown. Now his stats are not the best on the list, but his overall play is what lands him at number one after the first week. Willis looks to be a bigger, stronger version of Spencer Rattler.
The only knock on Willis will be the level of teams he plays against. But in recent years that has seemed to fall away as a problem when it comes to drafting a player (Carson Wentz and Trey Lance faced similar critiques) with the skill set being the most important factor.
The speed factor is huge with Willis- he can hurt you as much with his legs and he can his arm. The best part of that is he’s not reliant on his legs. Willis stays steady, goes through his progressions, and makes the right play. When it’s all said and done don’t be surprised if Malik comes off the board on draft night before the likes of Rattler, Howell, and others.
Pro Comparison: Based on Willis’ skillset, his comp is Lamar Jackson. Both players are absolutely electrifying and dynamic with the way they run, pass and get out of trouble. The other side of the spectrum would be a player like Jalen Hurts. Similar in play style but the inability to use his legs to his advantage.
There are the top 5 Quarterbacks ranked based on their play in week one of college football. Be sure to check back next week to see if there’s movement in the top 5!