Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis was viewed as one of the players with the highest upsides in the 2023 NFL Draft. A year later, Willis is fighting for his roster spot and the trust of the Titans’ coaching staff.
Willis was selected with the 86th overall pick in 2023, hand-picked by general manager Jon Robinson as the Titans’ quarterback of the future. However, the former Liberty star struggled in relief of Ryan Tannehill last season and now the general manager who picked him is gone.
- Malik Willis stats: 42.8 QB rating, 0-3 TD-INT, 50.8% completion rate, 4.5 ypa
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Entering his second NFL season, Willis has already been floated in NFL trade rumors and faced speculation that he might not make the 53-man roster. However, ht seems to be making a much stronger impression on the coaching staff this offseason.
Speaking to reporters during Titans’ training camp, head coach Mike Vrabel offered some praise for Willis and specifically noted the improvement he’s shown from his first season.
“I thought Malik [Willis] came out of the spring with glaring improvement.”
Tennessee Titans coach Mike Vrabel on quarterback Malik Willis (H/T Turron Davenport)
Related: Malik Willis might not make the Titans roster
It’s crucial for Willis to prove he’s made significant strides as a passer. The Titans’ offense couldn’t get anything going through the air last season when Willis was on the field. It got so bad late in the year that in must-win games, Tennessee signed free agent Joshua Dobbs and started him over Willis at the end of the season.
Now, Willis is facing competition from rookie quarterback Will Levis. While the Titans’ second-round pick has been outperformed by Willis and Tannehill thus far, Vrabel made it clear the coaching staff and front office like where they are at with their quarterbacks.
“We feel good about where we’re at. You can’t have too many quarterbacks, and hopefully they’re all good ones and that we’ll have tough decisions.
Mike Vrabel on the Tennessee Titans depth at quarterback
Related: Tennessee Titans no longer confident in Malik Willis
Based on his strong start to the offseason, Willis’ odds of making the 53-man roster are improving greatly. However, Willis will have a shot to compete for the backup quarterback job and Tennessee’s new front office is more committed to him than Willis.