What separates Malik Willis from most rookies
Titans rookie quarterback Malik Willis has been a sponge ever since he arrived to the Music City. Whether they’ll admit it or not, every rookie in the NFL has some sort of learning curve. However, not every rookie is as willing to learn as Willis has been over the past four months. He’s had moments […]
Titans rookie quarterback Malik Willis has been a sponge ever since he arrived to the Music City.
Whether they’ll admit it or not, every rookie in the NFL has some sort of learning curve. However, not every rookie is as willing to learn as Willis has been over the past four months.
He’s had moments of brilliance in the first two preseason games, but even Willis can admit he still has a ways to go.
“I’ve got a lot to fix,” Willis acknowledged on 104.5 The Zone’s The Buck Reising Show. “You’d rather learn from it right now than when you go through adversity later on.”
Head coach Mike Vrabel pulled Willis in the team’s first exhibition game against the Baltimore Ravens for not throwing the ball enough.
The team knows what Willis can do with his legs, but the coaching staff’s primary focus is making sure he knows how to execute the passing game.
Drafted with the 86th overall pick, Willis is still working out of some bad habits he formed while playing at Liberty.
In college, Willis rarely operated in a clean pocket. When the primary read wasn’t open he could either sit in the pocket and take a hit, or pull the ball down and take off.
At the NFL level, Willis is learning how to take what the defense gives him. Something that is much easier to accomplish behind a competent offensive line.
“I think it’s really cool seeing how different defensive coordinators utilize their players, and try to play different coverages,” said Willis. “It’s really cool to see and get to experience this for the first time.”
His positive attitude and willingness to learn is why he has Titans fans already wrapped around his finger.
Rookie quarterbacks aren’t supposed to enter the league as finished products. It’s a position where experience makes a substantial difference.
“They’ve been through this 1,000 times and this is my fifth time going through it, “said Willis while describing his preseason experience. “So, I’m gonna go out there and make sure I’m doing what I need to do – learn from it.”
The Titans were fortunate to be able to nab Willis in the third round of the draft, but Willis was equally as lucky to land with a team that is willing to be patient with his development.
Willis will be surrounded by all of the necessary tools in order to grow in this system. As long as he can continue to soak up everything in front of him, the Titans should feel comfortable entering the season with Willis as QB2.
Featured image via George Walker IV / Tennessean.com / USA TODAY Sports
