Titans end Willis’ wait, draft QB in third round

NASHVILLE, Tenn. — The wait is lastly over for Liberty quarterback Malik Willis, who was chosen by the Tennessee Titans with the second of their two third-round picks within the 2022 NFL draft.

The Titans moved up Friday night time to pick out Willis at No. 86 general after sending a third-round choose (No. 90) and a fifth-round choose (No. 169) to the Las Vegas Raiders.

Willis was broadly projected as a first-round choose and was invited to Las Vegas by the NFL to be readily available for the draft. That honor is usually reserved for a participant that is prone to be chosen within the first spherical.

Regardless of the wait, Willis remained in Las Vegas till he was chosen and was elated when he heard his title known as as he celebrated along with his household. Willis stated he did not pack a second go well with so he and his group of 100 family and friends determined to go to a bowling alley to rejoice when he was chosen.

“I am simply blessed to have someplace to name residence and appreciative for the chance to play on the subsequent stage,” Willis stated. “It hasn’t actually been troublesome. On the finish of the day when you do not have management over one thing, it is not one thing you could actually get mad at. I am simply grateful to be right here and to be a Tennessee Titan.”

Willis stated he held no ailing will towards the groups that handed on him.

“I at all times have a chip on my shoulder,” he stated. “I do not assume the draft can put one other chip on my shoulder. It is cool. God put me right here for a purpose. I am not going to be mad for being the place I’m as a result of lots of people want they might be right here.”

Titans basic supervisor Jon Robinson stated he may hear Willis’ pleasure whereas they had been on the telephone, because the information that he was drafted sunk in.

Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett was the one quarterback taken within the first spherical when the Pittsburgh Steelers chosen him at No. 20. Cincinnati’s Desmond Ridder was the second quarterback chosen, 12 picks forward of Willis at No. 74.

Willis completed final season at Liberty with 2,857 passing yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions. He was a standout through the week of observe on the Senior Bowl as nicely.

“Good arm, athletic and strikes round nicely,” Robinson stated of Willis. “He is bought a very good talent set and throws a very good ball. He is robust to deal with however he is bought lots of work to do like all the rookies do.”