Tennessee Titans quarterback Ryan Tannehill drew some flak when he said that it’s not his job to mentor Malik Willis.
The team drafted the former Liberty Flames play-caller in the third round of the 2022 NFL Draft.
Tennessee got the 86th overall selection used for Willis by trading their third and fifth-round picks to the Las Vegas Raiders.
Willis was the third quarterback selected after Kenny Pickett and Desmond Ridder.
But with the Titans seeing him slip on the board, they must have felt that they are getting a talented player in the third round.
Starting quarterbacks might feel the pressure every time their team drafts their potential successor.
Reigning Most Valuable Player Aaron Rodgers elevated his game after the Green Bay Packers selected Jordan Love.
Therefore, Tannehill must be feeling the heat with Willis around.
He must use the rookie’s presence to improve his game and the entire team will benefit from his progression.
Yet contrary to recent developments, Tannehill did post a tweet to welcome Willis
Welcome to the squad! @malikwillis https://t.co/oZJ1omMJ8d
— Ryan Tannehill (@ryantannehill1) April 30, 2022
An Insurance Policy For The Titans
For now, Tannehill is the safe choice to be their Week 1 starter.
But the Titans felt better having Willis as his backup.
If anything happens, Tennessee still has a talented quarterback who can lead their offense.
Last season, Tannehill wilted during their Divisional Round game against the Cincinnati Bengals.
With Willis around, the team is hoping that they will have a reliable quarterback even if Tannehill struggles.
The Titans hope to build from the lessons learned from that heart-breaking defeat.
Drafting Willis and wide receivers Treylon Burks and Kyle Philips is part of that process.
As they upgrade their passing game, Derrick Henry will remain to be an unstoppable force from the backfield.
NEXT: Former NFL Player Calls Out Ryan Tannehill