Browns mock draft: Malik Willis surprise pick at No. 13
The Cleveland Browns have quarterback Baker Mayfield under contract for another season, but decide to look towards the future by selecting quarterback Malik Willis in this Browns mock draft.
The 2021 Cleveland Browns team had several holes on their roster, and their inability to overcome these weaknesses at a few key positions is exactly why they failed to make the playoffs.
Be it a lack of playmakers at the wide receiver position, injuries on the offensive line, or poor quarterback play, the team that many favored to be the AFC participant in Super Bowl LVI instead sees themselves watching their division foe and in-state rivals, the Cincinnati Bengals, playing in the big game instead.
While most mock drafts have the Browns shoring up their receiving corp or adding depth to their offensive or defensive line, you can’t go a day on Twitter without seeing a debate about current starting quarterback Baker Mayfield.
The former No. 1 overall pick has failed to live up to the status of the pick, and whether the team should continue to move forward with him as their starter or try to improve at the position has been a topic of debate among the Dawg Pound all season.
In this mock draft, the Browns take a look at replacing the much-debated quarterback, while also looking to improve the rest of their roster to get back to the playoffs in 2022.
Browns mock draft Round 1 pick: Malik Willis, QB, Liberty
Malik Willis is a quarterback prospect that is all over the 2022 NFL Draft boards. Some experts have him being a top-10 selection, while others have him in the second round of the draft. This is due in large part to the roller coaster play that Willis exhibits at times, showing incredible highs and incredible lows.
Yes, the lows are scary to discuss and look at, but more often than not, you’re left speechless by the rocket launcher he has attached to his throwing shoulder. In a league full of superstar talents at quarterback like Patrick Mahomes, where you’re left talking about the crazy arm angle throws and the ability to make any pass, having that kind of guy under center would be really nice for the Cleveland Browns.
While there are still question marks about Willis, his ability to wow you makes everything else look like a small blip on the radar. Adding him in the first round would immediately make the Browns more entertaining and talented at the quarterback position. While Baker Mayfield may be the safer option going forward, you win in the NFL by taking chances and having a game-changing quarterback.
The Browns can do both of those things by selecting Malik Willis with the 13th overall selection.