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Malik Willis looks to become next Russell Wilson for Titans
Malik Willis talking with offensive coordinator Todd Downing. (Credit: George Walker IV/Tennessean.com/USA TODAY Sports)

Malik Willis looks to become next Russell Wilson for Titans

NASHVILLE, Tenn. (BVM) – In the 2012 NFL Draft, the Seattle Seahawks used their third-round pick on a 5-foot-11 quarterback who slipped to them. In the 2022 draft, the Titans made an eerily similar decision where they used a third-rounder on a smaller QB in Malik Willis.

For the Seahawks, it resulted in a Super Bowl win. Could Tennessee reap comparable rewards?

College careers

While Willis is a similar build to Russell Wilson, Wilson did put up better numbers at the collegiate level. Wilson had 300 more passing yards, six more touchdown passes and eight fewer interceptions in his final college season compared to Willis. 

In terms of career path, the biggest similarity between the two is their use of the transfer portal. Wilson played his final season at Wisconsin after three years at NC State, while Willis transferred to Liberty in 2020 following his coveted recruiting process that originally landed him at Auburn.

Both players bet on themselves and it worked to their advantage, boosting their draft status along the way.

Rare athletes for the position

The first thing that stands out about both quarterbacks is their elite athleticism. At the 2012 combine, Wilson ran a speedy 4.55 40 time, ranking second among QBs behind Robert Griffin III. Willis did not participate in the 40yard dash at the combine, but it has been reported that he ran a 4.37 as a sophomore at Auburn.

Willis will instantly jump into the upper echelon of pure speed alongside Wilson once he suits up for the Titans.

Incomparable first years

Going into the 2012 season, Seattle decided to give Wilson a run at competing for the starting job against Matt Flynn. Wilson nor the Seahawks organization looked back after that. He excelled as a rookie throwing for over 3,100 yards with 26 touchdowns. Wilson led Seattle to an 11-5 record and a postseason victory over Washington.

It does not seem like Willis will get a similar opportunity.

Entering the preseason, the job looks like Ryan Tannehill’s and it may take a lot in order for Willis to see the field. But if he does get in at some point in 2022, every Titans fan can point to the Russell Wilson story for a source of optimism