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The 2022 NFL combine is here, and it’s no surprise that Liberty quarterback Malik Willis is winning over NFL teams. The dual-threat passer with a big-time arm will go in the first round of April’s 2022 NFL draft, but the question is, how high?
The Washington Commanders desperately need a quarterback, and it doesn’t like they’ll land a superstar via trade. That leaves free agency and the draft. And we all know franchise quarterbacks don’t hit free agency, so you look for the passer who has the highest ceiling. As for the draft, it is the best option to find a franchise quarterback.
Don’t let what some are saying about the 2022 class of quarterbacks fool you. Sure, there may not be a consensus No. 1 overall QB in the class, but there is potential in several of these passers, especially Willis.
General manager Martin Mayhew was present at one of Willis’ college games. Mayhew got a close look at Willis and likes what he sees from all indications. Then, there is head coach Ron Rivera. Rivera has praised Willis, the player, and the person.
Could Washington select Willis at No. 11 or even move up in the draft to ensure it lands the talented passer?
Lance Zierlein is a draft analyst for NFL. com and does an excellent job of evaluating draft prospects every year — specifically quarterbacks. Zierlein recently named seven teams who could draft Willis in the first round, even offering odds on that team selecting Willis.
Zierlein ranked Pittsburgh and Washington as the top contenders to select Willis at 20% each. Here’s what he said about Willis to Washington:
This one really makes a lot of sense. Cam Newton was the dual-threat quarterback who helped current Washington head coach Ron Rivera get to a Super Bowl with a 15-1 record in Carolina in 2015. Commanders offensive coordinator Scott Turner was with Newton and the Panthers as a quality control assistant in 2011-12 and as a quarterbacks coach in 2018-19. Both Rivera and Turner will understand how a dual-threat quarterback can win games in a variety of ways on any given Sunday. Washington runs a decent dose of RPOs and play-action out of three-wideout sets, and both numbers could take a jump with Willis at the helm. Of all the teams on this list, Washington might be the one uniquely positioned to hand over the keys to the offense earlier than expected.
We are a long way from the draft. Free-agency hasn’t even started, which means a significant trade or free-agent signing could change Washington’s perspective in the draft. However, the smoke of Willis and Washington seems too strong to ignore.
Remember, if the Commanders sign a quarterback in free agency, it means nothing in terms of the draft. Washington will take a quarterback somewhere in the draft, regardless of which veteran the team acquires.