Willis stinks as passer, runs for score

Titans QB Malik Willis went 14-of-23 passing in Saturday's loss to the Texans, tallying just 99 yards (4.3 per attempt) with 0 TDs and 2 INTs. WR Robert Woods was the only Titan with more than 2 receptions, catching all 4 of his targets for 30 yards. Willis will start at least 1 more game Thursday night against the Cowboys.

The Titans are releasing QB Logan Woodside. That leaves rookie Malik Willis as the only other QB on the roster besides Ryan Tannehill. We'll see about any other moves, but it looks like the rookie will hit the season as Tannehill's backup. That puts him 1 injury away from being interesting for fantasy.

ESPN’s Turron Davenport believes there’s a 75% chance that QB Malik Willis remains on the bench all season. Ryan Tannehill has started every game since taking over for Marcus Mariota in Week 6 of 2019. And despite some positive words on Willis this offseason, he’s still considered a project. Davenport actually guesses that the rookie’s first start won’t come until late in the 2023 season -- and that's only if Tennessee's been eliminated from the postseason. Of course, a lot can change between now and then. But for 2022, unless you’re playing in a deep superflex format, Willis should go undrafted in fantasy.

Titans QB Malik Willis "passed his first test" in rookie minicamp, Jim Wyatt of the team's official website writes. "I left the two-day camp impressed by Willis, from how he carries himself to his arm," Wyatt added. "For the second day in a row Willis was on the practice field way early. Before and during practices, I like the way he slaps hands with his teammates, encouraging them. He looks like a leader. And, he threw the ball well over the past two days despite throwing an interception on Saturday." Willis won't be a threat to take over as the starter this season unless QB Ryan Tannehill and the Titans really struggle. But Willis could be under center in 2023 and remains a nice dynasty stash.

The Titans stopped Liberty QB Malik Willis’ slide, taking him with the 86th pick of the 2022 NFL Draft. Willis began his college career at Auburn before transferring to Liberty and starting the past 2 years. Willis threw for 47 TDs vs. just 18 INTs over that span, but it’s the rushing that drives his fantasy outlook. Willis racked up 1,822 rushing yards over his 2 starting campaigns and profiles similar to Jalen Hurts. Willis will sit behind QB Ryan Tannehill this year, but Tannehill turns 34 in July and has a $36.6 million cap hit in 2023. Willis has a good chance to be Tennessee’s 2023 starter.