Liberty Quarterback, Malik Willis is one of the most polarizing quarterback prospects this year, but he could be a target for the Steelers.
The Steelers undoubtedly have a massive need at the quarterback position this offseason, and many believe the draft is the way they will go. One of the players that have been linked the most to the Steelers is Malik Willis out of Liberty. Willis has arguably the highest ceiling among any of the quarterbacks in this class but also one of the lowest floors, and thus he could be a project.
While there is nothing wrong with drafting a quarterback who may not be able to start right away, this just allows different pieces on the team to benefit more than others. Willis has drawn comparisons to Josh Allen in that both quarterbacks showed the raw tools of being a superstar at the next level but lacked consistency at the college level, and had some flaws in their games.
If the Steelers select Willis, they could go the route of letting him learn the offense for a while before letting him start any games. The following are the greatest beneficiaries on the Steelers roster if Willis is the selection.
4. Offensive Line
With Willis potentially not starting for some of next season if the Steelers were to select him, and the division being very talented, the Steelers could see themselves sitting high in the draft next season. This would allow them to use that pick on an elite offensive line talent to help fill another massive need on their roster, which would not only help Willis in the long run but would also help young running back, Najee Harris.
While this is not a specific player who is benefitted, what I’m saying here is that the offensive line as a whole will benefit in the long run from gaining an elite talent next year due to a high draft selection.
Additionally, this would benefit specific offensive linemen such as Kendrick Green and Dan Moore Jr. If the team selects a quarterback in Round 1 it is unlikely that they bring in three starters along the offensive line this offseason, which would likely signify that Green would get another shot as a starter, either at center or guard. If he plays well at whichever position he plays, then he can play himself into a long-term starter. If he doesn’t impress then the team knows it’s time to move on and address that position, so it could be a win-win for both sides.
As for Moore Jr., he is already expected to be a long-term starter at one of the two tackle spots, but next year will allow the team to see if he improves and which spot he is able to handle better.