STRENGTHS
Malik is an athlete playing the quarterback position. He shows the athletic talent to move the chains running the ball and scoring touchdowns. He has solid arm strength along with the ability in the red zone to run the ball for a touchdown. Malik shows the leadership skills needed through his play on the field. He shows excellent agility in the pocket to extend plays when they break down and make the big play when others might not be able to. Malik has a lot of talent to work with because of his overall athleticism for sure.
CONCERNS
I’m not convinced that Malik has the velocity and accuracy throwing the ball because of his inconsistent mechanics, for the next level. Malik also lacks the confidence in adverse situations to make the tough throw. He holds the ball too long and doesn’t anticipate or have confidence in his receivers. This has resulted in Malik having a lot of bad habits and in playing “Hero” ball way too much. It will take time for him to adjust mentally and physically to the NFL level.
BOTTOM LINE 2.64
Malik reminds me of former Steelers QB Kordell Stewart or for the younger draftniks…Geno Smith. The biggest problem those two players had or have, is taking what they learn in practice and applying it on the field in a game. Both of them were drafted so teams felt they had the talent for sure. Malik has the talent but, his bad habits of holding on to the ball, throwing off his back foot, leaving the pocket, not going through his progressions, struggling with his accuracy, from the pocket, and on the run, (the few times he does throw after leaving the pocket) will come back to haunt him at the next level. (I know that’s a long sentence). The Senior Bowl will be big for Malik. If he can show dramatic improvement every day and then take what he has learned into the game, he could move up in this draft for sure. Look for him to be on the field a lot to prove just that. Remember my talent scores do not reflect where a player might be selected in a draft, look at Rob’s value board for that information. The talent grade tells you how I feel about that player and his potential to develop and where I might be inclined to select them personally. This is why Rob and I started the 2-board system. Malik’s workouts could move him up in the draft for sure but my profile will not change based on workouts. My profiles are done using game film. Not by interviews, workouts, the combine, or any other person’s opinions. It’s up to you to accept them or not.
