Do the Steelers have a chance?
In an interview on NFL Network, Zierlin discussed the same topic. In the interview, he continued
"Ben Roethlisberger… was a big guy from a smaller school who is dual-threat capable..could run..and had a great arm…Pittsburgh was able to build around him slowly before handing over the reigns…Malik Willis has a very similar potential profile…the Steelers could pull from their background from Ben…Malik Willis is about doing the right thing for the Steelers over the long term."
Whether you agree with Zierlein, Willis will get selected in the first round. However, the Steelers are not the only contender. The Commanders had a shot but probably eliminated themselves with Carson Wentz
Zierlein then projected the Broncos with a 15% chance of drafting Willis; however, one would have to assume Denver has flipped to Seattle since they traded Russell Wilson, and it’s questionable as to whether they will be satisfied with Drew Lock.
The Saints are probably in the same position at 15%. It’s not clear if they will re-sign Jameis Winston, as he still remains a free agent; however, the Saints are still in the Deshaun Watson running Zierlin also has the Panthers with a 5% shot. This thought makes sense and hasn’t changed much. The Panthers may be stuck with Darnold for 2022 but could make plans to move on after that. Depending on how committed Darnold they are, they could get help for the offensive line just as easily.