This year's crop of quarterbacks at the NFL Draft has been viewed as a less-than-stellar class. The likes of Liberty's Malik Willis, Pittsburgh's Kenny Pickett, and Ole Miss' Matt Corral have all been mentioned as potential signal-callers to be selected in the first two rounds of the draft, though none have overly excited pundits to this point. Willis spoke to reporters at the Combine and made a bold declaration ahead of the NFL Draft, as reported by ESPN.

Liberty's Malik Willis believes he should be the first quarterback off the board in next month's NFL draft. But, he admitted, it's not exactly up to him.

“I don't make those decisions,” he said Wednesday morning at the NFL combine.

And then after a beat, Willis dryly added “I hate that for me.”

Malik Willis believes that he should be the first quarterback selected off the board in the NFL Draft. Willis also showed a sense of humor, adding that he can't make that call, which he “hates for himself.”

Article Continues Below
More NFL News
Atlanta Falcons tight end Kyle Pitts (8) prepares for a game against the New York Giants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
NFL rumors: Falcons’ Kyle Pitts drawing legitimate trade interestBen Strauss ·
Jan 18, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Philadelphia Eagles former player and ESPN commentator Jason Kelce reacts before in a 2025 AFC divisional round game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Houston Texans at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-Imagn Images
Jason Kelce hits USA Flag QB with fiery ‘not the best’ reality checkMike Gianakos ·
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja'Marr Chase (1) tracks a deep pass as Los Angeles Rams cornerback Jalen Ramsey (5) defends in the first quarter during Super Bowl 56, Sunday, Feb. 13, 2022, at SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif.
NFL rumors: Insider dumps cold water on Rams’ Jalen Ramsey trade pursuitBen Strauss ·
Detroit Lions offensive tackle Penei Sewell (58) carries the ball and runs against Chicago Bears linebacker Jack Sanborn (57) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit
How ESPN projects Packers, Bears’ chances to beat out Lions in NFC NorthBen Strauss ·
Detailed view of the jersey of Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) against the Philadelphia Eagles in Super Bowl LIX at Ceasars Superdome.
Team USA flag football star blasts idea of NFL players in 2028 OlympicsBenedetto Vitale ·
Tennessee Titans quarterback Will Levis (8) exits the field after losing 24-17 to the New York Jets in their home opener.
Steelers rumors: NFL analyst suggests Will Levis trade with TitansBenjamin Adducchio ·

Willis is a solid passer and can move really well for a quarterback, an attribute that very well could push NFL teams to make him the first quarterback selected in the draft.

The Liberty quarterback threw for 2,857 yards, 27 touchdowns and 12 interceptions while running for another 878 yards and 13 scores. When asked which NFL quarterbacks he modeled his game after, Willis mentioned Michael Vick, Russell Wilson, Drew Brees and Tom Brady.

That is quite an interesting blend of signal-callers. If Willis can even approach the level of any of any of those players in the NFL, teams will be kicking themselves if they don't make him the first QB selected off the board in this year's draft.