Malik Willis needs to be in a Carolina Panthers uniform

The Carolina Panthers have a serious question mark at their quarterback position. The Sam Darnold experiment (and the Cam Newton idea) was not beneficial for them in 2021 and the days of citing the age of Darnold are getting old. It’s clear the Panthers want to insert a new QB that can utilize CMAC, Robby Anderson, and DJ Moore on a really high level.

Matt Rhule’s squad has had trade discussions for Russell Wilson and Kirk Cousins. Unfortunately, Wilson is in Denver and the Vikings didn’t take the trade request for Cousins seriously. I don’t expect the Panthers wish to obtain a Pro Bowl-caliber QB to come to fruition.

I would really like to see the Panthers obtain the elite, dual-threat QB Malik Willis in the 2022 NFL Draft. Willis was rightfully dubbed the winner of the draft by NBC Sports. The Liberty QB didn’t run the 40-yard dash and he still had the best combine performance. He was superb with his deep throwing ability, interviews, and he was even courteous to broken people on the streets.

He threw 27 touchdowns, 2,857 passing yards, and ousted a 70.0 passer rating with Liberty last season, but he also unleashed 878 rushing yards. He was electric and he’s one of the best dual-threat QB prospects in the last several years.

There’s more reason to like the idea of Willis landing in Carolina. According to Jeremy Igo of Carolina Huddle, the Panthers scouts “are very high on Malik Willis”. It’s clear the Panthers aren’t only one of the top teams favored to pick Willis, but the Panthers staff is actually gushing over at this stage.

I believe the Kenny Pickett buzz revolving around Carolina is merely a smokescreen. The 49ers were rumored to be very serious about taking Mac Jones, but the true 49ers personnel knew Lance was the better fit. I also believe Willis should be favored over Pickett after his recent combine performance. I also don’t feel an overwhelming ceiling with Pickett. The Panthers should be confident in their ability to be creative and allow Willis to shine in the pass and run game.

His rushing ability combined with McCaffrey will really break down opposing defenses and help their ascending defense get more rest. Josh Allen and Lamar Jackson were demolishing opponents with his arm and legs while helping their defenses get quality break time. The Ravens were third in time of possession, while the Bills were fifth in TOP. Willis isn’t only magical with his rushing ability, but he can also make routine big plays with Anderson in the deep passing game. He is truly the total package and he will continue to develop, as he’s done quite well over the past few seasons.