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Lions 2022 NFL Draft: 5 prospects to watch on Saturday

By Brad Berreman

FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - OCTOBER 16: Treylon Burks #16 of the Arkansas Razorbacks signals first down during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 38-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images)
FAYETTEVILLE, ARKANSAS - OCTOBER 16: Treylon Burks #16 of the Arkansas Razorbacks signals first down during a game against the Auburn Tigers at Donald W. Reynolds Stadium on October 16, 2021 in Fayetteville, Arkansas. The Tigers defeated the Razorbacks 38-23. (Photo by Wesley Hitt/Getty Images) /
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Credit: G Fiume/Getty Images
Credit: G Fiume/Getty Images /

Pick Analysis. QB. 2.. player. Scouting Report. Liberty. Malik Willis. 2384

Willis is a popular mock draft pick for the Lions, including No. 1 overall in one not too long ago. In any case, if Willis is available with that second first-round pick he’s a viable target. He has as much upside as any quarterback in the 2022 class.

On Saturday Willis will travel to take on 16th-ranked Ole Miss (and fellow top quarterback prospect Matt Corral). It will be his toughest test of the season, in a tough environment, even if the Rebels’ defense is not particularly good. Six interceptions over back-to-back October games against Middle Tennessee and Louisiana-Monroe is a red flag, even if Willis has rebounded with seven touchdowns and zero interceptions over the last two games (North Texas and UMass).

Ole Miss’ defense has been somewhat opportunistic though, with nine fumble recoveries (tied for seventh-most in FBS) and 23 sacks (tied for 19th-most in FBS). Willis’ mobility is a factor, but Liberty is allowing more than three sacks per game this season (29, 120th in the country).

Saturday’s game won’t a final referendum on Willis as a top-end draft prospect. But it is an important test against a tough SEC opponent for the former Auburn signal caller.

How To Watch Willis on Saturday: at Ole Miss, 12 p.m. ET, TV: SEC Network

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