Could Malik Willis start in 2022?

By: Jake Rajala

The Tennessee Titans were shockingly able to select former Liberty quarterback Malik Willis in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Titans Wire stated that he was the Titans biggest steal of the 2022 NFL Draft and he may even unveil to be the best value draft pick in the 2022 NFL Draft.

Willis, also known as Mina Kimes’s biggest fan, will look to hit the ground running this off-season as the QB2 in Tennessee. There may be countless Titans fans that want to virtually sacrifice Ryan Tannehill for his pedestrian 2021 performance, but the Titans veteran QB that threw 33 touchdowns to 7 interceptions in 2020 still has a strong foot in the door in Tennesee.

Although, if Tanny does struggle or repeat his 2021 performance in the A.J. Brown-less offense in 2022, his future could be very murky in a Titans uniform in the 2023 off-season. Per FansNation, the Titans could save $27 million next off-season (while taking on $9.6 million in dead money) by cutting him after June 1st.

If the soon-to-be 34-year-old, expensive Tannehill is mediocre this season with an aging Derrick Henry (28 years old), and a thin WR unit, it’s not hard to foresee Mike Vrabel axing the once surprise QB. If Willis can be a comfortable pro passer, excel with his legs, and master the scheme, the Titans should feel comfortable giving him the opportunity to start in 2023. I would still expect TEN to sign a veteran QB or potentially a rookie QB to compete with the sophomore QB. Perhaps the Titans third-round draft pick will carry a grand chip on his shoulder, earn the keys to the Titans starting offense beyond 2022, and join Joe Montana and Russell Wilson as incredible, third-round draft steals.