Let’s understand, for the last 5 out of 6 years I have gotten each first round pick by the Pittsburgh Steelers correct (no 1st round pick in 2020 due to the Minkah Fitzpatrick 2019 trade). So now it’s time to make it a cool 6 out of 7 this year. Having said that..
FIRST ROUND: (20th To 10th Pick) QB MALIK WILLIS (LIBERTY)
It is inevitable. I see the Steelers trading up has been the staple of their draft over recent years. And I really don’t see the 2022 draft being any different. Especially during this Post-Roethlisberger era the organization is going through at this point and time.
Willis, although only standing at 6′ 1″ has the intangibles that Pittsburgh needs at the quarterback position. Especially going against the likes of Lamar Jackson, Joe Burrow and questionably..Baker Mayfield and their defenses twice a season. And those intangibles are mobility.
If the highlights don’t convince you, NFL Network’s draft analyst, Daniel Jeremiah seems to have the same feelings about Malik.
“He’s got a huge arm,” Jeremiah said. “He’s not real tall … but he’s built. He’s a powerfully built guy who can drive the ball. At the Senior Bowl when it was raining and everyone else was struggling, he didn’t have any issues whatsoever. This guy can really power the football. He can make all the throws, he can create and you can use the designed run game with him.”
Like Roethlisberger, Willis is from a small, unknown college. But what stands out to me with Jeremiah’s quote is “he can create and you can use the designed run game with him“
Keep in mind that was Big Ben’s claim to fame early on in his career. Being able to extend plays and get the necessary yards needed..if not more for the first down or the score.
Steelers soon-to-be retired GM, Kevin Colbert said last week that the Steelers would open the season with Mason Rudolph at quarterback if necessary. Dwayne Haskins, a former No. 1 pick, is the other option already on the roster. I however DO NOT see the Mason situation happening..AT ALL!
What I do see is Pittsburgh picking up a veteran free agent quarterback like Jimmy Garoppolo, Aaron Rodgers or even a Jameis Winston to mentor a rookie quarterback like Malik Willis who has the mobility the Steelers neec to stay competitive in the AFC North..as well as the AFC/NFL in general. #HereWeGo
STEELERS WORLD 1 