Pauline: Steelers dig Willis

[SteelerDayTrader]

https://steelersdepot.com/2022/02/nfl-d ... -like-him/

[Stlcrtn1974]

Hopefully they trade up and mortgage the future for Korky part 2. Can't wait for 10 more years of sucking.

[955876]

I loved Tomlin in the past.

I’m thankful for 2008 Super Bowl.

With that being said, Barry Switzer’s drunk cousin could have won that Super Bowl with that historic defense we had in 2008 (mostly Cowher’s players/coordinators) and young Benjisan.

Today, Jibbs is a franchise wrecking cunt.

These fools are going to fuck up this QB handoff.

Hope I’m wrong.

Maybe Mailik Dobbs Whatchu Talkin Bout Willis ends up being great.

He seems like a reach at this point.

Lion for our idiots to trip over themselves to get him.

While we need a QB, we need a team around that QB first.

This team is wretched all over its roster. A shiny new toy at QB doesn’t fix the awful oline, Dline, linebacker, secondary, TE, and total lack of depth at RB.

Shit, we don’t even have a punter we can rely on.

But ya, let’s throw a 1st round QB into the mix.

[AirRescueFF]

I loved Tomlin in the past.

I’m thankful for 2008 Super Bowl.

With that being said, Barry Switzer’s drunk cousin could have won that Super Bowl with that historic defense we had in 2008 (mostly Cowher’s players/coordinators) and young Benjisan.

Today, Jibbs is a franchise wrecking cunt.

These fools are going to fuck up this QB handoff.

Hope I’m wrong.

Maybe Mailik Dobbs Whatchu Talkin Bout Willis ends up being great.

He seems like a reach at this point.

Lion for our idiots to trip over themselves to get him.

While we need a QB, we need a team around that QB first.

This team is wretched all over its roster. A shiny new toy at QB doesn’t fix the awful oline, Dline, linebacker, secondary, TE, and total lack of depth at RB.

Shit, we don’t even have a punter we can rely on.

But ya, let’s throw a 1st round QB into the mix.

Which is what they had when Ben entered the picture. Solid team foundation.

[yygy]

Don’t get all the negativity towards this guy. Was looking at some vids of him and I’d honestly say Willis has a better downfield ball than Lamar. Better accuracy better touch better velocity.

Also there’s the idea qbs need to fit balls into extremely tight windows but far from always the case. You can widen those windows with speed. You can also widen them with mobility from your qb.

I can see the appeal

[RemoAZ]

Part of me thinks maybe Mediocre Mike will want to keep his streak alive so bad he won't risk it by blowing a 1st rounder on a project QB. Then I remember he thought it was genius to bring Ben back with a horrible oline and mostly question marks at WR. So I'm expecting him to blow this and set us back at least a half decade. Hopefully I can't be any more disappointed than I'm expecting to be. At least we won't have to go through the entire season stressing through every game hoping Ben can figure out a way to get us a chance in the playoffs.

[bradshaw2ben]

Don’t get all the negativity towards this guy. Was looking at some vids of him and I’d honestly say Willis has a better downfield ball than Lamar. Better accuracy better touch better velocity.

Also there’s the idea qbs need to fit balls into extremely tight windows but far from always the case. You can widen those windows with speed. You can also widen them with mobility from your qb.

I can see the appeal

I was in on Willis early, but this year he fell apart. Here's the crux of this whole issue: show me one thing Willis does better than Wil Levis or Cameron Ward. His arm is stronger, he's not a better runner, he's not more accurate, he's not a better passer, he's not bigger.

I've seen the so-called in the know have Levis as QB 6 next year, and that doesn't even include Ward, who's off the radar for 99% of draft experts.

Willis has a hell of an arm. He doesn't have this ANYWHERE on his resumé:

https://youtu.be/zcyhhMvm0vI?t=135

[RemoAZ]

Don’t get all the negativity towards this guy. Was looking at some vids of him and I’d honestly say Willis has a better downfield ball than Lamar. Better accuracy better touch better velocity.

Also there’s the idea qbs need to fit balls into extremely tight windows but far from always the case. You can widen those windows with speed. You can also widen them with mobility from your qb.

I can see the appeal

I was in on Willis early, but this year he fell apart. Here's the crux of this whole issue: show me one thing Willis does better than Wil Levis or Cameron Ward. His arm is stronger, he's not a better runner, he's not more accurate, he's not a better passer, he's not bigger.

I've seen the so-called in the know have Levis as QB 6 next year, and that doesn't even include Ward, who's off the radar for 99% of draft experts.

Willis has a hell of an arm. He doesn't have this ANYWHERE on his resumé:

https://youtu.be/zcyhhMvm0vI?t=135

Levis throws the ball like a catcher, a quick snap back and throw. Robinson looked really good in those highlights too.

[955876]

Don’t get all the negativity towards this guy. Was looking at some vids of him and I’d honestly say Willis has a better downfield ball than Lamar. Better accuracy better touch better velocity.

Also there’s the idea qbs need to fit balls into extremely tight windows but far from always the case. You can widen those windows with speed. You can also widen them with mobility from your qb.

I can see the appeal

He’s short and from a small program facing less than stellar opposition.

Why didn’t that cannon arm and mobility get him to a bigger school?

How’s his IQ?

I dunno. I just see him discussed as not a top tier guy in a draft with few top tier guys if any.

If we get him I’m hoping he’s good.

But then, this staff mortgaged the future for an undersized ILB that plays the game like fucking Bambi so how much confidence does that give ya…

[yygy]

Don’t get all the negativity towards this guy. Was looking at some vids of him and I’d honestly say Willis has a better downfield ball than Lamar. Better accuracy better touch better velocity.

Also there’s the idea qbs need to fit balls into extremely tight windows but far from always the case. You can widen those windows with speed. You can also widen them with mobility from your qb.

I can see the appeal

I was in on Willis early, but this year he fell apart. Here's the crux of this whole issue: show me one thing Willis does better than Wil Levis or Cameron Ward. His arm is stronger, he's not a better runner, he's not more accurate, he's not a better passer, he's not bigger.

I've seen the so-called in the know have Levis as QB 6 next year, and that doesn't even include Ward, who's off the radar for 99% of draft experts.

Willis has a hell of an arm. He doesn't have this ANYWHERE on his resumé:

https://youtu.be/zcyhhMvm0vI?t=135

Yeah he can sling it. But not apples to apples comparison because levis is not within their reach. Just don’t see it happening. And I’d much rather see something happen as opposed to waiting on nothing.

I think Willis could give them a dimension. Not a huge fan of trading up for him though. I think they have Howell as a backup. Hey golden boys fail all the time. Might take scrappy over flawless.

Odd to me too how Corral seems conspicuously absent from links to Steelers. Do they not like him? Or do they but don’t expect him to be there?

Let’s play this out. Steelers get one of these kids. They’re able to get 2 new starters on the OL and they get an FA wideout too. Rudy goes 1-5 as the starter. Everyone screaming to build the team first is now screaming to play the rookie! (Hey if you think 9-7-1 is bad wait till you’re 2-15). The kid finishes 7-4. Tomlins streak is broken but who cares. Following season Steelers are ready to play

[yygy]

Don’t get all the negativity towards this guy. Was looking at some vids of him and I’d honestly say Willis has a better downfield ball than Lamar. Better accuracy better touch better velocity.

Also there’s the idea qbs need to fit balls into extremely tight windows but far from always the case. You can widen those windows with speed. You can also widen them with mobility from your qb.

I can see the appeal

He’s short and from a small program facing less than stellar opposition.

Why didn’t that cannon arm and mobility get him to a bigger school?

How’s his IQ?

I dunno. I just see him discussed as not a top tier guy in a draft with few top tier guys if any.

If we get him I’m hoping he’s good.

But then, this staff mortgaged the future for an undersized ILB that plays the game like fucking Bambi so how much confidence does that give ya…

He was recruited by auburn right?

Positives and negatives with any prospect. He may not be my favorite but doesn’t mean he won’t work anyway

[Jobu]

Comparing Malik Willis to Ben???

[Who Dee Knee]

If they love Willis I will give them the benefit of the doubt, so I have no problem with him at 20, although that wouldn’t be my choice. I’m very against doing another Bush-style deal to move up for him, however. We just have too many other needs.

[955876]

Comparing Malik Willis to Ben???

I know right.

Anyways…

I think Willis could give them a dimension.

I guess it beats the stale watching paint dry offense we’ve been getting. So hey, a step in the right direction.

[Suwanee88]

Physically Willis reminds me of Steve McNair. They are relatively the same size. I think by far he has the most potential in this group of QB’s.

If he falls to them, I wouldn’t be pissed if they take him.

I just pray they don’t trade up for him, trade for a veteran QB or sign a QB for a lot of money.

I am perfectly fine starting Rudolph and getting our asses kicked.

The problem is they aren’t. They have no idea how to rebuild. They’d rather finish .500 than let the wheels fall off or trade back and gather picks or trade vets, etc.

[Ice]

Comparing Malik Willis to Ben???

It was funny how they started with "Willis is like Ben," and then came all of the "excepts." Even some of the supposed similarities weren't that similar. Miami of Ohio may not be Ohio State, but it's not Liberty, either, for instance.

[DP39]

Don’t get all the negativity towards this guy. Was looking at some vids of him and I’d honestly say Willis has a better downfield ball than Lamar. Better accuracy better touch better velocity.

Also there’s the idea qbs need to fit balls into extremely tight windows but far from always the case. You can widen those windows with speed. You can also widen them with mobility from your qb.

I can see the appeal

I was in on Willis early, but this year he fell apart. Here's the crux of this whole issue: show me one thing Willis does better than Wil Levis or Cameron Ward. His arm is stronger, he's not a better runner, he's not more accurate, he's not a better passer, he's not bigger.

I've seen the so-called in the know have Levis as QB 6 next year, and that doesn't even include Ward, who's off the radar for 99% of draft experts.

Willis has a hell of an arm. He doesn't have this ANYWHERE on his resumé:

https://youtu.be/zcyhhMvm0vI?t=135

Yep. I think you and I have been on the Levis train for about the same amount of time. I know we've each discussed him several times over the past year or more.

He'll improve even more with another year in Liam Coen's (McVay coaching tree) UK system.

If I had to compare Levis to other QB's, I'd say he's a combination of three: athletically, he's a bigger, stronger Taysom Hill; arm strength-wise, he's similar to Josh Allen, and above the neck, he reminds me of Mac Jones a little.

If he continues to improve at the rate he did this year, he'll be a top 5 QB in the '23 draft, imo. If that happens, I would love to see the Steelers draft him. But, even if he's there and we don't take a QB this year, which I think we will, I think they may also be afraid of his age -- turning 24 a few months after the draft.

With all that being said, if Levis continues to grow like I think he can, he'll have a bright future in the NFL.

I also think Tomlin is dead set on having a super-twitchy QB and most likely (I know this will be controversial -- but I think Tomlin feels it's almost his duty) an African American one.

[the-other-burg]

[Mick]

Moving past the crying and gnashing of teeth that is the current state of the fanbase,

One odd problem we have is that alongside the low ceiling we are looking at for 2022 I think our floor is also pretty high with 3 all-pro caliber players on D with a handful of solid/good supporting players there and some capable players on offense as well. We won’t be drafting at the top.

At some point, if we want to draft a QB we will need to take one that falls out of the top of the draft because he has some major warts. I just don’t think this is the year. Some years you have so many talented QBs some good ones naturally fall, other years you have so little QB talent some bad ones fall up. This is the latter. I don’t hate most of these prospects, and i want to draft a QB. I just think they are going to be drafted much higher than they should be. In a normal year where Willis goes in the late 2nd I’m all over him.

[Orangesteel]

This report that the Steelers have been linked to acquiring Carson Wentz makes me want to puke.

I don’t think there is a move that would piss me off more. We know Tomlin is a stubborn moron and complete asshole, but this would send me over the top.

This would be my “im not watching for 5 years” move.

[jebrick]

This report that the Steelers have been linked to acquiring Carson Wentz makes me want to puke.

I don’t think there is a move that would piss me off more. We know Tomlin is a stubborn moron and complete asshole, but this would send me over the top.

This would be my “im not watching for 5 years” move.

Are these the same talking heads that tied the Steelers to Jimmy G?

[Orangesteel]

This report that the Steelers have been linked to acquiring Carson Wentz makes me want to puke.

I don’t think there is a move that would piss me off more. We know Tomlin is a stubborn moron and complete asshole, but this would send me over the top.

This would be my “im not watching for 5 years” move.

Are these the same talking heads that tied the Steelers to Jimmy G?

Maybe. I still give more credence to the notion that the Steelers want to acquire a veteran rather than blow a pick on a complete chance in the draft. That report came out months ago leading up to Ben’s retirement.

I tend to buy into Perch’s theory that Tomlin might walk away in a few years. I don’t think he wants to waste those years with a project at QB. You get Wentz/Jimmy/Trubisky you are going to win some games because the defense can still perform at a high level.

A rookie starting week 1 next year is a sure fire way to be 3-14 or 4-13 next season. Tomlin has too much pride to hover around that kind of record for the next few seasons (NHALS and all).

Wentz would just be a joke. Colts are practically running him out of town and towards the end of the season there were only two AFC teams playing better than they were.

[Jobu]

This report that the Steelers have been linked to acquiring Carson Wentz makes me want to puke.

I don’t think there is a move that would piss me off more. We know Tomlin is a stubborn moron and complete asshole, but this would send me over the top.

This would be my “im not watching for 5 years” move.

Ehh…it’s the off season, people need things to write about and gather clicks. The Steelers have been or will be connected to every QB that could be available.
I doubt that the Steelers trade for Wentz, although there are worse options out there….Gardner Minshew, Jameis Winston, Tyrod Taylor…

[Kodiak.]

I still give more credence to the notion that the Steelers want to acquire a veteran rather than blow a pick on a complete chance in the draft. That report came out months ago leading up to Ben’s retirement.

I tend to buy into Perch’s theory that Tomlin might walk away in a few years. I don’t think he wants to waste those years with a project at QB. You get Wentz/Jimmy/Trubisky you are going to win some games because the defense can still perform at a high level.

100% this. That story about Tomlin wanting a veteran wasn't just some Peaches flier, but a reporter who is supposedly close to Tomlin.

Tomlin wants to prove he can still crank out non-losing seasons without Ben, and then he'll retire in 2-3 years.

[bradshaw2ben]

Physically Willis reminds me of Steve McNair. They are relatively the same size. I think by far he has the most potential in this group of QB’s.

If he falls to them, I wouldn’t be pissed if they take him.

I just pray they don’t trade up for him, trade for a veteran QB or sign a QB for a lot of money.

I am perfectly fine starting Rudolph and getting our asses kicked.

The problem is they aren’t. They have no idea how to rebuild. They’d rather finish .500 than let the wheels fall off or trade back and gather picks or trade vets, etc.

Willis is almost exactly Jalen Hurts with a bigger arm. His potential is trash compactor-ed Randall Cunningham, who was a really good player.

[gojira5150]

Don’t get all the negativity towards this guy. Was looking at some vids of him and I’d honestly say Willis has a better downfield ball than Lamar. Better accuracy better touch better velocity.

Also there’s the idea qbs need to fit balls into extremely tight windows but far from always the case. You can widen those windows with speed. You can also widen them with mobility from your qb.

I can see the appeal

I agree with this post. This dude has a BIG arm. Some of his deep throws he looks like Randal Cunningham who seemed to launch deep balls with the flick of his wrist. You truly never know how any of these QB's are going to do once in a Pro system compared to college. There have been numerous high profile QB's who when got to the Pros turned out to be crap. If they draft Willis I won't be upset. Steelers should have money to spend FA and hopefully they target a couple of O-Linemen.

[bradshaw2ben]

Yep. I think you and I have been on the Levis train for about the same amount of time. I know we've each discussed him several times over the past year or more.

He'll improve even more with another year in Liam Coen's (McVay coaching tree) UK system.

If I had to compare Levis to other QB's, I'd say he's a combination of three: athletically, he's a bigger, stronger Taysom Hill; arm strength-wise, he's similar to Josh Allen, and above the neck, he reminds me of Mac Jones a little.

If he continues to improve at the rate he did this year, he'll be a top 5 QB in the '23 draft, imo. If that happens, I would love to see the Steelers draft him. But, even if he's there and we don't take a QB this year, which I think we will, I think they may also be afraid of his age -- turning 24 a few months after the draft.

With all that being said, if Levis continues to grow like I think he can, he'll have a bright future in the NFL.

I also think Tomlin is dead set on having a super-twitchy QB and most likely (I know this will be controversial -- but I think Tomlin feels it's almost his duty) an African American one.

I've been saying Taysom Hill, but with Brett Favre's arm and fearlessness. The great part about him is: there are going to be other, more high-profile guys in the draft who will likely go before him, no matter what he does this season (Stroud, Bryce Young, Van Dyke, McCall, possibly even Cameron Ward)... driving his price down possibly lower than Willis's cost.

Why buy an overpriced house that's not quite what you need--in the middle of a sellers' market--when you can buy something better next year and pay less?

[bradshaw2ben]

Don’t get all the negativity towards this guy. Was looking at some vids of him and I’d honestly say Willis has a better downfield ball than Lamar. Better accuracy better touch better velocity.

Also there’s the idea qbs need to fit balls into extremely tight windows but far from always the case. You can widen those windows with speed. You can also widen them with mobility from your qb.

I can see the appeal

I agree with this post. This dude has a BIG arm. Some of his deep throws he looks like Randal Cunningham who seemed to launch deep balls with the flick of his wrist. You truly never know how any of these QB's are going to do once in a Pro system compared to college. There have been numerous high profile QB's who when got to the Pros turned out to be crap. If they draft Willis I won't be upset. Steelers should have money to spend FA and hopefully they target a couple of O-Linemen.

Well, we agree on the Randall Cunningham part (see the post above). We don't know how they translate to a pro system but it's way more likely they'll struggle more reading coverage and throwing into tight spaces than it is that they'll be better at it in the NFL. That's because of the biggest factor for QB & WR making the jump: the hash marks being closer together. That condenses the space for everything. So, now you've got bigger and faster defenders defending a smaller area, shortening the amount of time you have to make plays and reducing the margin for error. That's why having an elite arm, some size to hang in the pocket, and quick/quality decision-making is ultimately the most important part of any QB scouting report. Way, way below that are "nice features" like ability to escape the pocket and running ability, especially because there's less time and room to run in the NFL. Even if you're great at it––Lamar Jackson––it's still not enough most of the time.

[DP39]

Yep. I think you and I have been on the Levis train for about the same amount of time. I know we've each discussed him several times over the past year or more.

He'll improve even more with another year in Liam Coen's (McVay coaching tree) UK system.

If I had to compare Levis to other QB's, I'd say he's a combination of three: athletically, he's a bigger, stronger Taysom Hill; arm strength-wise, he's similar to Josh Allen, and above the neck, he reminds me of Mac Jones a little.

If he continues to improve at the rate he did this year, he'll be a top 5 QB in the '23 draft, imo. If that happens, I would love to see the Steelers draft him. But, even if he's there and we don't take a QB this year, which I think we will, I think they may also be afraid of his age -- turning 24 a few months after the draft.

With all that being said, if Levis continues to grow like I think he can, he'll have a bright future in the NFL.

I also think Tomlin is dead set on having a super-twitchy QB and most likely (I know this will be controversial -- but I think Tomlin feels it's almost his duty) an African American one.

I've been saying Taysom Hill, but with Brett Favre's arm and fearlessness. The great part about him is: there are going to be other, more high-profile guys in the draft who will likely go before him, no matter what he does this season (Stroud, Bryce Young, Van Dyke, McCall, possibly even Cameron Ward)... driving his price down possibly lower than Willis's cost.

Why buy an overpriced house that's not quite what you need--in the middle of a sellers' market--when you can buy something better next year and pay less?

I agree 100%. I hate it when HCs/GMs only think short-term and tell themselves....'hey, we need a QB and if this is the going rate this year (even if it's 30-40 picks too high), then we'll pay it...because everyone else has to also'.

I guess with the "win now" mode the NFL has embraced, waiting a year is almost impossible for some of these guys when they may not have a job in a year or two if they don't act now. Of course, MT has plenty of time...

My motto: if you have a long shopping list and can't buy it all this year then buy what's on sale now (Edge/WR/CB/OT/IOL/RB) and wait for the other items to go on sale next year (QB/DL/LB/S). Smart shopping!

[Orangesteel]

If Colbert is retiring, do we even want him involved with this draft?