Eagles

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

By Kyle Pagan

Published: Mar 22nd, 2022 · 10:33 AM EDT

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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:

Potential first-round QB Malik Willis took time away from the NFL Combine to help this person who was experiencing some hard times 👏 @malikwillis

Amazing ❤️ (via @rlacey23) pic.twitter.com/CCih1qNCzY

— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) March 3, 2022

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.