Gerald

Willis

Porter wasn’t privy to what, exactly, pushed Willis into HC Mark Richt’s doghouse. The 6-foot-2, 280-pounder initially joined the Hurricanes as a transfer from Florida prior to last season. He ranked as ESPN 300’s No. 42 overall prospect for the 2014 cycle. Miami opens the 2016 season against Florida A&M, so they should be able to survive the absence of the talented defensive lineman.

Willis (6’2/302) was dismissed from Florida football’s team for fighting teammates, transferred to The U, failed a drug test at Miami, took a leave of absence for the entire 2017 season, then earned second-team All-ACC as a 2018 fifth-year senior with a conference-high 18 tackles for loss, most by a Hurricane since Calais Campbell in 2006. Willis’ pre-draft workouts were limited by a late-season groin injury and offseason hamstring pull. On tape, Willis is a pure gap-shooting three technique whose motor runs hot and cold and frequently gets washed out against the run.

Willis (6'2/302) recorded 51 stops, two more than Clemson DT Christian Wilkins and 16 more than Clemson DT Dexter Lawrence. Willis had multiple injuries throughout the 2018 season and has serious off-field concerns after sending a teammate to the hospital due to a fight. The talent is there but a mix of other factors have him slotted as a high-risk, high-upside Day 3 selection.

Injuries have plagued Willis over the past year, as he also dealt with a hand and groin issues in 2019. That, along with some off-field red-flags are going to hurt his draft stock, it appears. We don’t know how he tested, but he’s flashed dominance at times, so assuming he didn’t completely bomb this -- or the interview portions -- he still has a great chance of being drafted early on Day 3.

Brugler has concerns about Willis’ (6'2/302) character and run-stopping ability. “There is baggage in his background,” said Brugler, specifically mentioning a story that Willis sent a teammate to the emergency room after a physical fight. “I also have strong concerns about him vs. the run,” the analyst continued. This second statement has been echoed by an NFL personnel director who questioned if Willis can stay on the field if he doesn’t correct his bad pad level. There are obvious risks, but the upside is in his burst, which makes him a low-floor, early Day 3 prospect.

The full quote: “He’s going to have to get that pad level corrected or he’s going to have a hard time staying on the field. He’s either in the backfield or getting knocked around. No in-between with him.” Willis was unable to participate in the combine because of an injury, which is disappointing, because his athleticism has been in question. The 6-foot-2, 302-pound defender does have a fan in Zierlein, however, as he cites his “impressive closing burst in pursuit and that he is disruptive when he plays with effort. He also has concerns about the pad level, however, and his poor hand usage leads to “ugly reps.” In his overview, Zierlein closes with: "[Willis] is an active rusher with change of direction to harass the pocket which could bolster his draft stock and make him a rotational backup with eventual starter potential if he plays with a more functional pad level.”

“We know he can fire gaps, but functional strength, overall athleticism and flexibility are big question marks for a guy who needs to sell his developmental upside,” Ledyard writes. Willis (6'4/300) was invited to the Senior Bowl, but was ultimately unable to play in the game itself due to an undisclosed injury concern. All indications at this juncture point toward the defensive tackle being a full participant in combine drills. Ledyard currently views Willis as a likely selection for the middle rounds in April. An impressive showing in Indianapolis could certainly help his stock, as the analyst notes that he entered the 2018 season with a nice little buzz before sloughing off down the stretch.

It’s never good when a player has to miss an event like this, but one who has been as impressive as Willis in his collegiate career is especially a bummer. The 6-foot-4, 300-pound defender says he’ll prepare for testing in the combine, so the good news -- so far -- is that it doesn’t sound like a long-term injury. He currently projects as a Day 2 pick, one who could easily be off the board before the end of the second round.

Miami was a disappointment in 2018, but Willis was able to have a solid season; picking up four sacks and an impressive 18 tackles for loss. NFL Draft Scout’s ROb Rang notes that there are some off-field question marks involving the 6-foot-4, 300-pounder, but his talent is unquestioned. He currently projects as a Day 2 selection, but a strong showing this winter could see him become a potential first-rounder; even in a loaded draft field at the position.

Willis (6'4/300) injured his finger in Saturday’s win over Florida State. During Tuesday’s open-viewing window for the media, he was spotted on a conditioning bike to start. He later joined up with his teammates for drill work. Consider him day-to-day for the Hurricanes’ Week 7 date with Virginia.