Which Team Will Pick Malik Willis in the 2022 NFL Draft?
By Peter Dewey
The 2022 NFL Draft doesn’t have a clear-cut No. 1 quarterback, which should make for an intriguing first round on Thursday night.
Liberty quarterback Malik Willis and Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett appear to be the two leaders in the clubhouse among this year’s quarterback class.
Willis has been connected to the Pittsburgh Steelers, who signed Mitch Trubisky to take over as the team’s quarterback this offseason, and the oddsmakers at WynnBET Sportsbook have signaled that he is most likely to land there.
Which Team Will Draft Malik Willis? (NFL Draft Odds)
Who will draft Malik Willis?
— BetSided (@BetSided) April 27, 2022
Steelers +125
Panthers +300
Falcons +400
Seahawks +400
Lions +500
Saints +500
Giants +1500
(Odds via @WynnBET) pic.twitter.com/CySJGR6xEh
- Pittsburgh Steelers: +125
- Carolina Panthers: +300
- Atlanta Falcons: +400
- Seattle Seahawks: +400
- Detroit Lions: +500
- New Orleans Saints: +500
- New York Giants: +1500
Will Malik Willis Fall to the Pittsburgh Steelers?
It’s interesting that Willis is favored to go to the Steelers (implied probability of 36.36 percent), even though they pick after the Panthers (No. 6), Seahawks (No. 9) and Lions (No. 2).
The Saints, Giants and Falcons all have made moves at quarterback that would likely take them out of the running for Willis early, but oddsmakers seem to think either the Steelers will move up, the Panthers will move back, or Willis will fall in the draft.
This becomes even more confusing when you realize that Willis -200 to be the first quarterback taken at WynnBET.
Malik Willis is the favorite for first QB off the board at @WynnBET (-200).
— Ben Heisler (@bennyheis) April 27, 2022
However, Kenny Pickett is highly favored to go to the Panthers, who pick sixth (+175) & Willis is the favorite for the Steelers at 20.
Feels like something is a little strange… pic.twitter.com/exPLsAPpvX
Could the Panthers Draft Malik Willis?
The books are preparing for Willis to land with the Steelers, but I think there is some value in Carolina, even if it decides to move back in the draft.
The Panthers can’t go into the season with Sam Darnold as the unquestioned starter after how poorly he played in the 2021 season, so I wouldn't be surprised if they grab Willis at No. 6, or trade back to grab him in the first round.
The Panthers need to replenish some of their draft picks after dealing for Darnold and Stephon Gilmore last season, so it’s possible trading down is already in the team’s plans.
Carolina may be favored to take Pickett, but I think Willis may have a higher ceiling and be worth a selection if the team drops out of the No. 6 spot on Thursday night.