Todd McShay Talks Eagles and Malik Willis, Who Can Be “a Better Version of Jalen Hurts”

Todd McShay was on The Ryen Russillo Podcast, breaking down his latest mock draft, when he was asked if the Eagles would actually take Malik Willis if he fell to #15:

I know a lot of Eagles fans that are in love with Malik Willis after watching him throw at the combine. He also seems like an all-time dude:

According to Lance Zierlein at NFL.com, Willis is a dual threat QB with escapability and a big arm, but lacks consistent accuracy on deep throws and the ability to get through his reads and progressions. Sound familiar? Sounds like a slightly better version of the guy we already have in Philly.

I’d like to see the Eagles draft two players in the first round and trade their other first for a first round pick in next year’s draft as a type of insurance in case Jalen Hurts doesn’t take the leap we want. Or use all three and fill the plenty of holes on the team for the long term. I think that’s what Howie is thinking and why Eagles free agency has been a snooze fest. The first round is stacked with WR, LB, and DL products. Strong prospects on rookie team friendly deals? Sign me up.

But back to Malik Willis –

The thing that McShay said that stuck out to me the most is, “I just hope he (Malik Willis) goes somewhere where they can develop him…” I don’t know if I believe in Brian Johnson and Shane Steichen enough to do that. Justin Herbert’s development has been attributed to Pep Hamilton and how do you evaluate a QB coach when his QB is throwing only 20 times a game?

Let’s fall out of love with a QB for a year that has one of the weakest QB draft classes in the last decade. I know as Eagles fans we want instant gratification, especially after a playoff appearance, but I promise you we’ll look back on this draft and free agency in five years and be glad we didn’t draft a QB or pay big money for a WR.