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INDIANAPOLIS — Liberty quarterback Malik Willis — a projected first-round pick — was seen in a viral video stopping on the streets of town to give unidentified items from his suitcase to a man in need on the street. It appeared Willis was unaware that he was being filmed from across the street.

ESPN analysts Matt Miller and Todd McShay both reported that Willis has been doing “very well” in his private 15-minute-long formal interviews with teams at the NFL combine.


  Malik Willis has impressed teams at the NFL combine with his on- and off-the-field actions. AP Malik Willis has impressed teams at the NFL combine with his on- and off-the-field actions. AP

Perhaps the blunt approach is best? Willis told at least one team that already has a young quarterback in the mix, “I know you aren’t drafting me,” a source said.

Pittsburgh quarterback Kenny Pickett’s hands measured 8.5 inches from pinky to thumb, meaning he has the smallest hands of any first-round quarterback since Michael Vick recorded that same measurement in 2001. Hand-size is correlated to hanging onto the ball in poor weather.

“That’s why he wears gloves,” one scout from a quarterback-needy team said. “I’m not concerned.”

The quarterback carousel keeps spinning in circles. Thursday put the Saints — whose starter Jameis Winston is a free agent coming off of a torn ACL — in the spotlight previously occupied this week by the Packers, Cardinals, Texans and Seahawks.


  Jameis Winston AP Photo Jameis Winston AP Photo

“We’re approaching it with a sense of urgency, that’s for sure,” general manager Mickey Loomis told local media. “Hopefully, we can get something done with one of the guys that is available. Jameis is certainly an option for us, and hopefully we’re an option for him as well.”

Northern Iowa offensive tackle Trevor Penning, a projected first-round pick, was asked to name the best player he faced in college. His answer is comforting for Giants fans who saw 2021 fourth-round pick Elerson Smith play just 107 snaps at edge rusher and 94 more on special teams during an injury-plagued rookie season.

“I would honestly say in practice every day, Elerson Smith,” Penning said. “Just the balance of power and athleticism and length. Everything he’s got, he’s a freak.”

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