As some buzz grows around the possibility, should Malik Willis be legitimately in play for the Lions with the second overall pick?
For those who think this year’s class of quarterbacks in the NFL Draft is bad, NFL Combine week in Indianapolis wasn’t great. The premium on the position has always meant multiple signal callers would go in the first round anyway, and on pure upside Malik Willis has a legit chance to be the first quarterback drafted.
On the field for workouts and behind the scenes, Willis had a great combine week by all accounts. If the Lions like him, after first getting a close look at him at the Senior Bowl, they’ll have to move around in the first round. Taking him second overall would be jumping the gun, but a trade down a few picks or a significant move up from their second first-round pick would open up the possibility.
Unless….
Is Malik Willis a legit option for the Lions with the second overall pick?
After the combine, fresh mock drafts from Brad Spielberger of Pro Football Focus and Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network have the Lions taking Willis No. 2 overall. In Spielberger’s mock, Aidan Hutchinson was available at No. 2. Both analysts point to Willis’ upside, which Detroit should absolutely prioritize if they’re going to take a quarterback within their first few picks of April’s draft (they have three of the first 34 selections).
Trevor Sikkema of Pro Football Focus came out with this tibdit as well.
The Carolina Panthers at No. 6 overall are in play to take a quarterback, with Willis tabbed to land a little further down (Seattle Seahawks-now-at No. 9, Washington Commanders at No. 11, Minnesota Vikings at No. 12, etc.) in mock drafts. But the Lions could wreck any of those plans by taking the former Liberty signal caller at No. 2.
The importance of the quarterback position creates urgency, and at times desperation, for teams. The Lions certainly have some urgency to find their next franchise quarterback, and taking Willis second overall will reek of desperation in the eyes of some. But if there’s a quarterback you trust your evaluation on and like enough to take in the top-5, and the Lions may indeed like Willis on that level, the school of thought here says take him. You just better be right.