Hutchinson, Malik Willis Go Top 2 in Jordan Reid's ESPN 7-Round 2022 NFL Mock Draft

The Malik Willis hype train is officially full steam ahead.

ESPN's Jordan Reid has the Liberty product going with the No. 2 overall pick to the Detroit Lions in his latest seven-round mock draft, and it's becoming increasingly difficult to see Willis falling out of the top 10 at the end of the month.

Willis is the most physically gifted passer in this class, drawing comparisons to  Buffalo Bills quarterback Josh Allen, but is also a raw talent who did not face elite competition or produce out-of-this-world stats at Liberty. 

Reid has Michigan edge-rusher Aidan Hutchinson going No. 1 overall to the Jacksonville Jaguars.

Hutchinson has been the leader to head to Jacksonville since the 2021 regular season ended. One of the most decorated prospects in Michigan history, Hutchinson was a rare defensive Heisman Trophy finalist and swept nearly every defensive individual honor. 

This is expected to be the first time since 2017 that a quarterback has not been selected with the No. 1 overall pick. For much of the draft process, the quarterback position was not expected to be in consideration for a top-10 selection, which would have been the first time since 2013 that happened.

As draft has drawn closer, however, Willis has seen his stock skyrocket. He was impressive in workouts at the NFL Scouting Combine and his pro day, flashing elite arm talent and mobility in the pocket. 

While throwing against air is a little easier than against NFL-caliber cornerbacks, the scarcity of talent at quarterback and the cost-controlled nature of the draft allows teams to take risks.

The Lions will guarantee about $41.4 million over four years to whoever they select with the No. 2 pick. In terms of quarterback money, that's a pittance and allows the Lions (or another team) to fortify their roster around Willis while he's on his rookie deal.

It's unclear whether the Lions will ultimately pull the trigger or choose the safer route by taking an offensive tackle or edge-rusher, but it's becoming increasingly obvious there won't be some free-fall of quarterbacks.