Todd McShay talks about his initial reactions to Liberty's pro day and why the quarterback is not far off from Lamar Jackson. (3:05)
The Liberty quarterback impressed the 60 coaches, scouts and executives from all 32 teams at the school's pro day with his arm strength and athletic ability, which has him projected as a first-round draft pick.
With no time for the 22-year-old to set before launching the bomb, he was particularly impressive Tuesday with an improvised strike that traveled 65 yards in the air.
The night before, he had dinner with PittsburghSteelers coach Mike Tomlin, and what seemed to most impress him was that.
After his session that included 70 scripted throws, he said that he was amazed. He is a normal dude.
One of the two head coaches in attendance was the one who has the 20th pick. Carolina coach Matt Rhule was the other one.
Most of the scripted plays were within 10 to 15 yards of the quarterback. One of the four general managers/executives in attendance was Scott Fitterer from Carolina.
Atlanta's Terry Fontenot, Pittsburgh's Kevin Colbert, and Washington's Marty Hurney were general managers.
Last week, Atlanta and Carolina tried to trade for Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson, who went to Cleveland.
Even though the Atlanta Falcons signed Marcus Mariota after trading Matt Ryan to Indianapolis, the Carolinas still have Sam Darnold under contract and are in the market for a quarterback.
Washington and Pittsburgh are still in the market despite trading for each other.
None seem to be long-term solutions. The pro day held by Kenny Pickett could be that. They are seen as the most likely signal-callers to go in the first round.
There was nothing weak about the pro day, which drew less than expected after free agency reset the quarterback market.
Several coaches wanted to see the ball explode off his hand. The 65-yarder on which Willis took the snap from center, dropped back, scrambled to his right, reversed his field to the left and then hit his receiver in stride at the goal line was the most impressive play.
The coaches were happy with the throw. It was applauded by teammates and family members.
After sprinting down the field to hit his receiver, he finished off the session with a few red zone throws.
Liberty coach Hugh Freeze asked what he thought of it.
Freeze has been telling the teams of the talent that Willis has, even though he didn't always face top-level opposition at Liberty.
When asked by three teams earlier in the day what he needed to improve on, Freeze cited broken dropbacks that throw off the timing of plays.
In terms of raw ability, Freeze said there is not an NFL team that could not use him based on the quarterback protection he saw in the playoffs.
Freeze said that the guys around him weren't apples to apples with the opponent in terms of talent. He said that Willis will be able to pick up an NFL playbook or football IQ.
The pro day showed what Freeze sees every day in practice, that Willis knows how to enjoy himself while being productive.
I try to always go out and have fun. That is cool in itself.
There were no drills other than throwing. He smiled and said he was fast when asked why he didn't run the 40-yard dash.
If I ran the 40 it would be nice, but it was not worth it. If you think I am fast and then I run fast, then I don't really do anything.
I'm fast.
The man is quick-witted. He showed that when he was asked what it was like to have so many people talking about him.
He said they were bored. The national spotlight is weird. You act like we are cousins because you care more than some people I know.
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