NOLA Saints linked to Malik Willis in 2022 NFL Mock Draft

The NOLA Saints have had three different quarterbacks this year and they need to address the position this offseason, preferably in the draft. Ryan Wilson of CBS Sports has them doing just that in his mock draft by selecting Liberty’s Malik Willis with the No. 19 overall pick.

Here is what Wilson said:

"Willis is an intriguing prospect, perhaps the most intriguing prospect in the entire class. We have a second-round grade on him based on his 2021 season, but the Saints — and every other QB-needy team — will need to do the math on projecting what Willis will look like in 2-3 years. There’s a lot to love about the situation in New Orleans, starting with Sean Payton, the O-line, Alvin Kamara (and possibly Michael Thomas) and a dominant defense."

There’s no doubt that Willis would bring a new level of excitement to Sean Payton’s offense, as the guy is electric, especially when he takes off and runs with the football.

NFL offenses didn’t use to operate with super mobile quarterbacks but Lamar Jackson has shown that it can happen and teams can be competitive with a running quarterback. That’s why Willis is a first-round prospect and he’d be an awesome addition to Payton’s offense. Just imagine the schemes Payton could cook up with Willis as his signal-caller.

NOLA Saints select Malik Willis in mock draft

Willis appeared in 13 games for Liberty this year, throwing for 2,857 yards, 27 touchdowns, and 12 picks while dashing for 878 yards and 13 touchdowns on the year. He’s not the most accurate passer but the same could be said for Jackson when he entered the NFL and look at him now.

I like Wilson’s point about the Saints having enough talent to where Willis could be the missing link. He might not be an immediate starter but at some point, slotting him in as the starting quarterback makes sense. New Orleans would be a better team with Willis as their signal-caller.