Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin among attendees for Liberty QB Malik Willis' pro day

LYNCHBURG, Va. — Liberty quarterback Malik Willis impressed a school pro-day record 60 NFL coaches, scouts and executives from all 32 teams with the arm strength and athleticism that has him projected as a first-round draft pick.

Willis was particularly impressive Tuesday with an improvised strike that traveled 65 yards in the air, with no time for the 22-year-old to set before launching the bomb.

But what seemed to most impress Willis, who came into the day without any goals or expectations, happened the night before while having dinner with Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin.

«I'm like, 'Mike Tomlin's eating chicken wings?'» Willis said in amazement after his session that included 70 scripted throws. «That's what you want. I mean, he's a normal dude.»

Tomlin, who has the 20th pick in the April 28 draft, was one of two head coaches in attendance. The other was Carolina coach Matt Rhule, whose team has the sixth pick.

Rhule and offensive coordinator Ben McAdoo spent most of Willis' 70 scripted plays standing within 10 to 15 yards of the quarterback. Carolina's Scott Fitterer, one of four general managers/executives in attendance, wasn't far behind.

The other general managers/executives were Atlanta's Terry Fontenot, Pittsburgh's Kevin Colbert and Washington's Marty Hurney.

Carolina and Atlanta came up short last week in attempting to trade for Houston quarterback Deshaun Watson, who ultimately went to Cleveland.

So both teams are in the market for a quarterback, even though Atlanta signed Marcus Mariota after trading Matt Ryan to Indianapolis and the Panthers still have Sam Darnold under contract.

Washington also remains in the market despite trading for Carson Wentz, as does Pittsburgh despite signing Mitch Trubisky