Tag Archives: Malik Willis

Dan Rooney Jr: The Unsung Scouting Hero

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Photo courtesy of steelers.com

“THE STANDARD IS THE STANDARD.”

We all know the names..Art Rooney, Dan Rooney, Mike Tomlin, Kevin Colbert and Art Rooney II..but how many Steelers fans know the name Dan Rooney Jr.?

Son of the late Daniel Rooney Sr, Jr started off as the ball boy for the Pittsburgh Steelers back in the 1970’s. Working his way up to work for now recently inducted Hall of Fame equipment manager, Tony Parisi. Dan Jr. then went on to work in the ticket office for a few months, before becoming a part of the scouting department in 1997.

Courtesy of Steelers.com

Starting his scouting career with the pick of former Steelers guard and Hall of Famer, Alan Faneca out of Louisiana State University. Dan also scouted now Pittsburgh quarterback, Mitch Trubisky back in 2017 at the University of North Carolina. Believing that Trubisky brings that Black & Gold mentality on and off the field.

Almost 20 years before Trubisky, Dan Jr. had his eyes set on an undrafted running back out of UNC, “Fast” Willie Parker. An undrafted free agent back in 2004 who set history by busting out a 75 yard touchdown run in Super Bowl XL versus the Seattle Seahawks.

Now moving forward to present day. With the 2022 NFL Draft starting tomorrow, Rooney Jr. has mentioned certain quarterbacks the Steelers have focused on. Those quarterbacks being Pitt University’s Kenny Pickett, Liberty University’s Malik Willis(enjoyed dinner with him and his family), Ole Miss’s Matt Corral, Desmond Ridder at Cincinnati and UNC’s Sam Howell.

Photo courtesy of The Athletic

Notice in the video how Dan Rooney Jr emphasized on how he “Enjoyed dinner with Malik Willis and his family”? Did he mention that about any other of the quarterbacks? Nope.

Segway into the true topic of this blog. Yes, it is about the Unsung Scout, Dan Rooney Jr, who started from the bottom even as a part owner of the Pittsburgh Steelers. But also to let you know that Malik Willis will be our draft choice in the 1st round. #HereWeGo

THE QUARTERBACK WEEK:

SW1: Steelers Rounds 1-3 2022 Mock Draft

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Ok, I am not going to waste anytime with a bunch of long winded reasons behind my 2022 NFL Draft Predictions..I am just going to get right into which positions I believe the Pittsburgh Steelers will draft in the first three(3) rounds. So without further ado..#HereWeGo

FIRST ROUND: 20TH PICK..(QB) MALIK WILLIS..LIBERTY COLLEGE

Photo courtesy of steelers.com

At 6 foot 1 inches..weighing 225 pounds, Malik Willis may not be a “BIG” Ben sized quarterback, but he is a very..scratch that..an EXTREMELY mobile quarterback who is very accurate as well. His decision making has improved over his three(3) years at Liberty, and let’s face it. In the dominating AFC North..quarterbacks need to have mobility to deal with the speed of the defenses.

Although Malik may be considered by most NFL experts as “not NFL ready” compared to Kenny Picket, his style of play suits the Steelers offense more than any other quarterback in the draft. Place him behind a DeShaun Watson or a Jameis Winston for a year or so, Pittsburgh could be looking at their quarterback of the future. 

SECOND ROUND: 52ND PICK..(OT) MAX MITCHELL..LOUISIANA

Photo courtesy of the Louisiana Ragin Cajuns

Mitchell, who stands at 6’6 and weight 297 pounds started at left and right tackle for the Ragin’ Cajuns, earning All-Sun Belt Conference accolades. He does, however need to correct a couple of bad habits and get stronger, but what offensive lineman doesn’t?

His foot quickness, play speed and length offers Mitchell a chance to stick as a backup swing tackle in a zone-based scheme as starter potential down the road. Especially within a deep run-heavy offense. Something that the Steelers will be needing after the drafting of Najee Harris last season.

THIRD ROUND: 84TH PICK..(DT)..PHIDARIAN MATHIS..ALABAMA

Photo courtesy of Touchdown Alabama

Although older than most at 24 years old, Mathis, is a 6’4″..312 lb defense tackle who could definitely become a cheap cost asset in the trenches. And with the potential departure of Stephon Tuitt this offseason, Phidarian is one draft pick that can cause Pittsburgh to shift its priorities. 

Even with the return of Tyson Alualu, who the Steelers love, he will be turning 35 years old very soon. Plus after coming off a season ending ankle injury last year, there is no guarantee that he will be the same dominant player he has been in past years. Isaiahh Loudermilk looked promising during his rookie season, but the Steelers still need help along the defensive interior.

So there it is..for now. Keep in mind that Mock Drafts subject to change over free agency. Feel free to comment me with your “DRAFT WISH LIST.” #HereWeGo

2022 DRAFT PREDICTION: Steelers Pick QB Willis In The First Round

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Photo courtesy of Sportskeeda

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