Browns must ready JOK style move targeting QB Malik Willis in 2022 draft

The front office at Cleveland Browns HQ might already have the answer on whether Baker Mayfield is the quarterback of the future.

Without a contract extension in Mayfield’s pocket, Andrew Berry, Paul DePodesta have said all they need to about the quarterback’s future without having to say anything at all.

And while it seems the front office is ready to move off of Mayfield, it’s going to be really difficult to upgrade the position with so many teams chasing quarterbacks, Mayfield will probably return in 2022, but that shouldn’t stop the Browns from improving the depth of their quarterback room.

With The Athletic’s Dane Brugler mocking Liberty quarterback Malik Willis (subscription required) in the second round, while everybody else has him going in the first (Kiper had him going 11th), the Browns should be prepared to make a move, similar to what they did with linebacker Jeremiah Owusu-Koramoah.

JOK was regularly mocked in the first round leading up the 2021 draft, and his fall, was one of the bigger stories to emerge. The Browns notably traded up to nab the Notre Dame product, a move that paid off.

Browns would be in no rush to play Willis

Willis wouldn’t offer the year-one gratification the Browns got with JOK, but at the very least, he’s a valuable asset the franchise can sit on.

No quarterback in this class looks like he’ll be ready to play on day one. It’s just not that kind of class. That said, Willis is an intriguing talent. Unfortunately, he played at Liberty, so he didn’t get to complete with or against other NFL caliber prospects.

Willis would be safe to learn on the bench, just as Trey Lance did this season the 49ers. He’d pose no threat to Mayfield’s starting job, although, the idea of him taking over would dominate the headlines with every interception Mayfield throws.

If you want to give Mayfield a buffer from the rook, keep Case Keenum, as well.

In Brugler’s mock, Willis went one pick ahead of the Browns, who pick at No. 42 in the second round. If Willis is there, I’d expect them to make the jump.

Him being there in real life, is another question. Willis is a dual threat quarterback who supposedly has a great arm. His stock could skyrocket with strong outings in the Senior Bowl and at the combine.

If here’s there for the Browns in the second, though, Berry and company better be ready to pounce.