In his first 2022 NFL mock draft for ESPN, draft analyst Todd McShay has the Denver Broncos selecting Liberty quarterback Malik Willis with the 17th overall pick in the first round (subscription required for link).
McShay also acknowledged that Aaron Rodgers, Russell Wilson and maybe even Deshaun Watson could be potential quarterback targets for the Broncos in 2022. He has Denver selecting Willis if the team is unable to land a veteran.
Willis (6-1, 215 pounds) spent two years as a backup at Auburn before transferring to Liberty ahead of the 2022 season. Over the last two years with the Flames, Willis completed 62.8% of his passes for 4,876 passing yards with 44 passing touchdowns against 18 interceptions.
Willis also rushed for 1,764 yards and 25 touchdowns at Liberty.
McShay has two other quarterbacks — Kenny Pickett of Pitt (No. 12) and Matt Corrol of Ole Miss (No. 13) — going off the board before Denver’s pick.
After the Broncos’ pick, McShay has two more QBs — Desmond Ridder of Cincinnati (No. 19) and Sam Howell of North Carolina (No. 25) — being selected later in the first round.
The Broncos currently have 11 picks to use in next year’s draft, including five selections in the first three rounds.
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