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.
3. Najee Harris
Najee Harris will undoubtedly be one of the biggest beneficiaries of the quarterback change this offseason, as the transition to a younger quarterback will likely signify a heavy workload for the young, workhorse back. Whether Willis starts, or a bridge option starts, Harris should be handed the ball early and often on nearly every drive.
Whoever ends up under center will likely lean on the Alabama product to take pressure off of them. A strong running game will open up the play-action pass-game and should open up more passing lanes to throw into.
Additionally, Harris flashed his ability as a pass-catcher this season, as he lead all running backs this season in receptions, with 74, per Pro Football Reference. That is a trend that will likely continue next season as he should continue to see plenty of dump-offs and screens to keep the ball out of the hands of whoever is under center, due to the young and inexperienced offensive line that they are playing behind.
Another strong season from Harris will help strengthen the argument that he was a worthy selection in the first round last year, which is an argument that many still aren’t on board with, despite all of his success as a rookie.
2. Pat Freiermuth
In his rookie season, Pat Freiermuth flashed elite potential at the tight end position, and that could be just the tip of the iceberg. Despite splitting time with Eric Ebron in the early portion of the season, Freiermuth established himself as an elite red-zone threat and third-down target, who was the clear top tight end on the team. According to Pro Football Reference, he caught 60 passes for 497 yards and 7 touchdowns in his rookie season
This should be no different next season as the Penn State product’s big frame should be an easy target for a rookie quarterback or a bridge quarterback to target as a security blanket. He will once again likely become potentially the top option in the passing game on third downs and in the red zone.
If it’s Willis or a different rookie under center, Freiermuth can quickly form a connection with his rookie signal-caller to form a connection similar to the one Ben Roethlisberger had with Heath Miller for so many years. If it is Mason Rudolph or Dwayne Haskins under center, they also will lean heavily on Freiermuth, as the team will likely be run-centric and looking to attack the middle of the field.
While Diontae Johnson and Chase Claypool figure to be heavily involved in the offense, and rightfully so, the tight end is the security blanket, and thus whatever young quarterback is under center will likely lean on Freirmuth whenever he’s in a key situation, or under duress.
1. Mason Rudolph
The potential of drafting a raw prospect at quarterback who needs time to develop and learn the offense is without a doubt the most beneficial to Mason Rudolph. If Willis is the selection it is likely he will sit at least a few weeks to learn, while Rudolph will be given the reigns to run the offense for at least the early portion of the season.
Dwayne Haskins can be listed as a beneficiary as well, as the team is likely to let Rudolph and Haskins compete in Training Camp for the spot on the depth chart. However, Rudolph’s experience in the offense and his track record with the team gives him a significant edge over Haskins to winning the interim starting quarterback job.
While it is unlikely that Rudolph is a long-term starter anywhere this deep into his career, if he plays well while starting, he could earn himself a significant raise in the offseason, either as a high-level backup or as a bridge option for another team. If someone is impressed enough by his play this season, signing as a bridge option elsewhere could be great for Rudolph as it would allow him to start, and also gain a significant pay raise from what he is currently making for Pittsburgh.
While Rudolph could start early on no matter who the Steelers draft, if a talented project like Willis is the selection, Rudolph is much more likely to get a sustained run with the starting job this upcoming season.
Clearly, Malik Willis is in play for the Steelers’ first-round pick, and while he would give the Steelers their quarterback of the future, he is not the only one who would benefit. It remains to be seen who the Steelers will select, but fans will surely keep a close eye on what the team does at the quarterback position all offseason.