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Are Detroit Lions Falling in Love with QB Malik Willis?

Quarterback Malik Willis has been impressing many onlookers this week at the Senior Bowl.

John Maakaron

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Liberty quarterback Malik Willis has generated a significant amount of buzz through the first couple of days of practice at the Senior Bowl in Mobile, Ala. 

Multiple scouts and those in attendance observing have identified him as the top quarterback they have laid eyes on.

Willis finished his 2021 season with 2,857 yards passing, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions in 13 games at Liberty. 

One trait elite quarterbacks in the NFL possess, at least as of late, has been the ability to extend plays with their feet. 

Mobility has nearly become a must-have trait for quarterbacks coming out of the draft and for those expecting to have a long career in the league. 

Willis secured 878 yards and 13 touchdowns on 197 rushing attempts last season. 

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© Vasha Hunt-USA TODAY Sports

Several media outlets and draft pundits have openly stated Willis is a physically gifted, elusive quarterback who also possesses a rocket for an arm. 

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell was asked about his early impressions of the 22-year-old quarterback on Wednesday morning. 

"Listen, yesterday was our first day of practice with him, and I think he throws a nice ball. I think he's pretty athletic, he's built better than -- from afar you don't know. That's why, to see these guys up close, he's a good-looking player," Campbell said. "He's built right, looks like he's built to last. Shoot, he handled our playbook pretty dang good yesterday. We had a couple run checks in there. Defensively, we had a couple of pressure looks that I thought he handled. Look, Day 1, did a good job."

Willis is currently projected to be selected in the first round of the draft. 

If his performances continue to impress, he could become heavily involved in the conversations the Lions are having about prospects they are targeting in the first round this year. 

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John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!

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