NFL Draft: Malik Willis can’t believe he didn’t get taken in the first round

Malik Willis, rumored first-round draft prospect and former Liberty QB, can’t believe he wasn’t taken on Day 1.

Willis was a rumored fit for the Carolina Panthers, Seattle Seahawks and Pittsburgh Steelers, for starters, but all three of those teams passed over him in favor of other players. The Steelers even drafted a different quarterback in Pitt’s Kenny Pickett.

While the Liberty product understands the NFL is a cold business, falling all the way to the second round was surprising for a QB who thought he could go as high as sixth to Carolina.

On social media, Willis made his impression of Thursday’s showcase known.

What did happen?

It’s been argued that Willis has the most potential out of any quarterback in this year’s class. While the QB class is one of the weaker ones in recent memory, in a quarterback-driven league, non-contenders are always just a capable signal-caller away.

NFL Draft: How far will Malik Willis fall?

There aren’t too many QB-needy teams at the top of the second round. The Bucs hold the first selection, and while they could take the heir-apparent to the recently-retired Tom Brady, Willis would be deemed a surprise considering they’re trying to contend now.

Houston has the fifth pick in the second round, but they’ve already committed to Davis Mills. The Seahawks, who hold both the ninth and tenth selections of the round, might be the best bet to take a flier on a player like Willis.

Seattle has the likes of Geno Smith and Drew Lock holding down the QB position, with Baker Mayfield potentially on the way. Willis would have time to develop in practice and in the film room before stepping in any real, competitive action in the regular season.

While going in the first round would’ve been a preferred outcome, Willis might come out of this in a decent spot anyway.