Paul Austria
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Gerald Willis’ journey to becoming a possible first-day pick in the NFL Draft has been far from a straight-line path. He’s dealt with lots of turmoil on and off the field, even getting dismissed from the University of Florida and sitting out the entire 2017 season, but had a sensational senior season establishing himself as one of the best defensive tackle prospects heading into the 2019 NFL Draft.
Willis was not only one of the most dominant members of Miami’s 1st-ranked defense in 2018, but he was also arguably the best defensive tackle in the nation. He finished the year with 59 total tackles (34 solo), 18 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. His 18 tackles for loss ranked 1st among all FBS defensive tackles and is the most collected in a season by a Hurricane since Calais Campbell’s 20.5 in 2006. Willis earned the team MVP award to go along with 2nd-team All-ACC honors and 2nd-team All-American honors by Sports Illustrated.
An unfortunate hand injury in the season finale against Pittsburgh led to Gerald’s decision to skip the Pinstripe Bowl in hopes of recovering before the NFL Combine and Miami’s Pro Day. According to the Miami Herald, he even mentioned that he dislocated his left middle finger against FSU and eventually plans on getting surgery, but it hasn’t affected him since.
Pre-Draft Measurables
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 302 lbs.
Arms: 33”
Hands: 8 1/2
40-yard dash: 5.1 seconds (at Miami pro day)
Willis attended the NFL Combine in Indianapolis but did not participate in drills. He measured officially at 6’2” and weighing 302 lbs. At Miami’s Pro Day, he ran a 5.1 40-yard dash and according to reports, he looked good when he participated in on-field drills.
Strengths
Athleticism
One of Willis’ biggest assets is his surprising athleticism as a defensive tackle and how he carries his frame. He is very agile for his size and it shows in his closing burst while in pursuit.
Initial Quickness
Willis has a knack for coming off the line of scrimmage in a hurry and winning the initial arms battle. He’s been nothing short of elite in splitting the gap against the run and he also has an excellent spin and swim move that all have been conducive in accumulating 13 tackles for loss through the first 7 games this season.
Weaknesses
Pad Level
A lot of scouts feel Willis plays with a pad level that is way too tall at times, which has led to him being pushed around and falling victim to double-teams very easily. His aim at the point of attack is to sidestep, spin, or swim off blockers, and not necessarily overpower, which has led to him getting stuffed and this was a problem here and there against the run. According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, a personnel director affiliated with an AFC team noted he must address this problem, “or he’s going to have a hard time staying on the field. He’s either in the backfield or getting knocked around.”
Motor/Effort Level
There’s been many instances where once Willis gets stuck and gets trapped in double-teams, he essentially becomes a non-factor. But there’s also been times where he does push and give that second effort and he can still be very disruptive.
Draft Projection: Round 3-4
Had he not suffered his hand injury and fully participated in the Combine and Pro Day, I am fairly certain Willis could have been picked as early as the second round, especially considering the kind of season he had. However, a lot of scouts view Gerald as a high-risk, high-reward player, as he’s either very disruptive or he’s a non-factor when he gets double-teamed, nothing in-between. His time at Florida in which he got into an altercation with a teammate could also raise inquiries about him off the field. Zierlein gave him a prospect grade of 5.54, which projects him as a potential starter at the next level.
Willis was not only one of the most dominant members of Miami’s 1st-ranked defense in 2018, but he was also arguably the best defensive tackle in the nation. He finished the year with 59 total tackles (34 solo), 18 tackles for loss, and 4 sacks. His 18 tackles for loss ranked 1st among all FBS defensive tackles and is the most collected in a season by a Hurricane since Calais Campbell’s 20.5 in 2006. Willis earned the team MVP award to go along with 2nd-team All-ACC honors and 2nd-team All-American honors by Sports Illustrated.
An unfortunate hand injury in the season finale against Pittsburgh led to Gerald’s decision to skip the Pinstripe Bowl in hopes of recovering before the NFL Combine and Miami’s Pro Day. According to the Miami Herald, he even mentioned that he dislocated his left middle finger against FSU and eventually plans on getting surgery, but it hasn’t affected him since.
Pre-Draft Measurables
Height: 6’2”
Weight: 302 lbs.
Arms: 33”
Hands: 8 1/2
40-yard dash: 5.1 seconds (at Miami pro day)
Willis attended the NFL Combine in Indianapolis but did not participate in drills. He measured officially at 6’2” and weighing 302 lbs. At Miami’s Pro Day, he ran a 5.1 40-yard dash and according to reports, he looked good when he participated in on-field drills.
Strengths
Athleticism
One of Willis’ biggest assets is his surprising athleticism as a defensive tackle and how he carries his frame. He is very agile for his size and it shows in his closing burst while in pursuit.
Initial Quickness
Willis has a knack for coming off the line of scrimmage in a hurry and winning the initial arms battle. He’s been nothing short of elite in splitting the gap against the run and he also has an excellent spin and swim move that all have been conducive in accumulating 13 tackles for loss through the first 7 games this season.
Weaknesses
Pad Level
A lot of scouts feel Willis plays with a pad level that is way too tall at times, which has led to him being pushed around and falling victim to double-teams very easily. His aim at the point of attack is to sidestep, spin, or swim off blockers, and not necessarily overpower, which has led to him getting stuffed and this was a problem here and there against the run. According to NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein, a personnel director affiliated with an AFC team noted he must address this problem, “or he’s going to have a hard time staying on the field. He’s either in the backfield or getting knocked around.”
Motor/Effort Level
There’s been many instances where once Willis gets stuck and gets trapped in double-teams, he essentially becomes a non-factor. But there’s also been times where he does push and give that second effort and he can still be very disruptive.
Draft Projection: Round 3-4
Had he not suffered his hand injury and fully participated in the Combine and Pro Day, I am fairly certain Willis could have been picked as early as the second round, especially considering the kind of season he had. However, a lot of scouts view Gerald as a high-risk, high-reward player, as he’s either very disruptive or he’s a non-factor when he gets double-teamed, nothing in-between. His time at Florida in which he got into an altercation with a teammate could also raise inquiries about him off the field. Zierlein gave him a prospect grade of 5.54, which projects him as a potential starter at the next level.
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