Miami announced on June 4 that quarterback Malik Willis participated in a hands‑on drill with analyst Cameron Wolfe, signaling the Dolphins’ serious interest ahead of the
Willis’ 1‑on‑1 session came after the team’s first full‑team practice of the offseason, and the footage was posted by NFL.com. The move has already sparked intense speculation among league insiders on how Miami might maneuver its draft capital and free‑agency plans. By engaging Willis in a public yet controlled environment, the Dolphins are signaling a shift toward a prototype of quarterback that emphasizes raw athleticism and improvisational ability—traits that have defined the league’s most successful modern offenses, from the Kansas City Chiefs to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Miami entered the 2025 season without a clear franchise quarterback after Tua Tagovailoa’s contract expired, leaving a void at the most critical position in professional sports. In a move that indicated a lack of long-term confidence in their internal pipeline, the team traded a 2025 second‑round pick for a veteran backup to bridge the gap. However, this stopgap measure only highlighted the urgency of the situation. The Dolphins’ front office has since emphasized youth and athleticism at the position, a trend reflected in their recent scouting reports and internal meetings. The shift is driven by a harsh reality: the numbers reveal that Miami ranked 27th in passing efficiency last season, a staggering decline for a team that previously boasted one of the league’s most explosive aerial attacks.
The struggle wasn’t just about arm talent, but about protection and play-extension. The Dolphins’ offensive line has become a liability, allowing 45 sacks last season and struggling to maintain a clean pocket against elite edge rushers. Analysts note that a quarterback who can extend plays—someone who can escape the pocket and create yards with their legs—would provide a critical safety valve for a thin offensive line. Malik Willis, with his pedigree as a high-ceiling athlete, fits this profile perfectly. By moving away from a traditional pocket-passer, Miami is essentially attempting to “out-scheme” their line’s weaknesses by utilizing a quarterback who can turn a broken play into a positive gain.
During the drill, Willis threw a series of short, quick‑release passes while Wolfe applied simulated pass‑rush pressure, showcasing his ability to make decisions under duress. This specific drill is designed to test a quarterback’s “internal clock” and their ability to process defensive rotations while under physical pressure. Willis demonstrated a level of composure that suggests his growth since his early days in Cleveland. Analysts noted his mobility, citing a 4.5‑second 40‑yard dash time recorded at the NFL Combine, which aligns with the Dolphins’ desire for a play‑action‑heavy offense. In the modern NFL, the ability to force a linebacker to freeze during a play‑action fake opens up massive windows for deep crossing routes and seams.
In addition, Willis demonstrated a solid ball‑handling skill set on rolling roll‑outs, a trait that could mesh with Miami’s tight‑end‑centric passing concepts. The ability to move the pocket effectively allows the offense to isolate their primary targets and creates mismatch opportunities against slower defensive backs. If Willis can integrate into a system that utilizes heavy 12-personnel (one RB, two TEs), his ability to execute the bootleg and the read-option could transform the Dolphins from a predictable vertical team into a multi-dimensional threat that can attack from every angle of the field.
If Willis climbs into the first round of the mock draft, Miami may need to be aggressive with their assets. To secure a player of his projected value, the front office may need to package picks to move up, potentially sacrificing a 2027 second‑rounder—a high price, but one the team may be willing to pay to end their quarterback carousel. The front office could also explore a trade with a team holding a top‑five slot, leveraging their 2026 third‑round assets and potentially other future considerations to move into a position of power.
From a financial perspective, the move is a masterstroke of cap management. Salary‑cap analysts suggest that signing Willis to a rookie contract would free up significant space for a veteran wide receiver, a need identified after the Dolphins lost a key target in free agency. Under the current CBA, a rookie contract for a top‑10 pick is far more affordable than a veteran extension for a mid-tier starter. This creates a “window of opportunity” where Miami can surround a young, cheap quarterback with elite veteran weaponry. Moreover, a high‑draft pick at quarterback would give Miami leverage in negotiations with veteran free agents who value a stable quarterback room; players are more likely to sign with a team that has a clear, long-term plan for the signal-caller position.
The evaluation process is far from over. Miami will host a private rookie workout on June 12, where Willis and other prospects will run the Dolphins’ pro‑style offense. This workout will be the ultimate litmus test: can Willis master the complex terminology and timing requirements of Miami’s playbook? The mock draft, updated daily by major outlets, now lists Willis as a potential top‑10 pick, a climb that reflects both his individual upside and the scarcity of mobile quarterbacks on the board in the 2026 class.
The financial implications are clear. The numbers reveal that, should he be selected in the first round, his rookie contract would average roughly $7‑million per year. This is a fraction of what a top-tier veteran would command, leaving room for the team to address interior line depth in the second round. This strategic allocation of funds—investing in a rookie QB while using the savings to bolster the trenches—is the same blueprint used by several Super Bowl contenders over the last decade.
The first comprehensive mock draft is typically published in early July, after the NFL Scouting Combine and pro days, allowing analysts to incorporate measurable data and senior bowl performances.
Most mock drafts project three quarterbacks to go in the first round: Caleb Williams, Drake Maye, and a mobile dual‑threat like Malik Willis, reflecting teams’ appetite for play‑action weapons.
Willis’ mobility would enable the Dolphins to increase play‑action frequency, improve red‑zone efficiency, and expand the quarterback‑run option, which could alleviate pressure on the offensive line and diversify the passing attack.
