RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 1 sourcesThere are many people who assume the Miami Dolphins are going to be one of the worst , if not the worst, teams in the NFL in 2026.
There are also many people who assume the Dolphins will be selecting a quarterback in the Top 5 of the 2027 NFL Draft.
What could possibly prove both assumptions wrong?
Well, that would be one man — 27-year-old quarterback Malik Willis .
As the Dolphins open their first training camp under coach Jeff Hafley on Wednesday, July 28 ― closed to the public, so please don't head over to Miami Gardens yet ― all eyes are on Willis.
Reporters who attended some open practices in the spring ― please bookmark and trust the reporters who actually attend training camp ― would say that in general, Willis was, well, fine.
He'll have to be much better than fine to disprove the runaway train of poor national expectations.
Miami Dolphins training camp focused on Malik Willis
In order for the Dolphins to be better than 4-13, in order for the Dolphins to bypass a quarterback in the next NFL Draft, Willis going to be have to startle us all with impressiveness.
Pro Football Focus ranks Willis as the NFL's 30th-best quarterback entering 2026.
We say to debunk naysayers, Willis will have to be enter the Top 12 NFL QBs conversation.
How can he do that? Well, with his legs and his arm.
But there is more.
Willis gives Miami a chance when the plays break down this season because he's a dynamic runner.
Willis gives Miami a chance to make some big plays this season because he has a big arm.
In fact, in the spring, there were too many overthrows, something we haven't seen in Miami in some time.
What will truly help Miami decide if their medium-risk dice roll on Willis was right is this:
Does Willis emerge as a commanding leader? The Dolphins have encouraged the soft-spoken Willis to ease into a leadership role thus far. He has thrown with some Miami receivers on his own. On a very young team with only a few obvious leaders, Miami needs Willis to fill this role.
Does Willis demonstrate impressive accuracy? Willis' career completion percentage ― 67.7 percent on only 155 attempts over four seasons ― would have placed him in a tie for 7th in the NFL last season. Other QBs with a 67.7 completion percentage were Sam Darnold, Tua Tagovailoa and Spencer Rattler. More important that Willis' touchdown total will be limiting interceptions and bad decisions.
Does Willis at times carry the Dolphins? It may be unfair, but so is life. Willis has a subpar group of receivers and an offensive line not devoid of lingering questions. There are quarterbacks who make their teams much, much better. There are quarterbacks who lead their team from behind in fourth quarters. There are quarterbacks directly involved in pulling off a series of impressive upsets. Who is Willis?
Malik Willis ' contract fair, considering Miami expectations
The Dolphins are paying Willis $22.5 million per season, which is tied with Aaron Rodgers for 17th-highest in the NFL. It's a reasonable number, considering the upside, and the doubts.
Willis flashed in Green Bay, but it was in a very limited sample size.
One might say Willis' next contract may be in excess of $40 million per season. That would be the reality if Willis were able to demonstrate he is an elite franchise quarterback.
Or one might say Willis' next contract may be in the range of $5-$7 million per season. That would be the reality if Willis were to return to quality backup status if his Dolphins opportunity expires.
We don't know. And thus how Willis' season plays out is arguably the most interesting and important answer the Dolphins executives, coaches, players and fans should obtain this season.
Can Willis to change perceptions and halt assumptions?
Well, that's on him.
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This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: How can Dolphins' Malik Willis prevent club from drafting future QB?
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