Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis is already working out with a new wide receiver.
Willis was seen passing to Jalen Tolbert in a video posted by quarterback development coach Sean McAvoy.
McAvoy said the video was filmed in Jacksonville.
When Willis was introduced to the Miami media, he said he had worked to refine his passing since entering the league.
“My first year didn’t go great, so I went to figure out things that might help me,” Willis said. “I got down there, I started working out with this guy in Jacksonville, and he started to teach me the mechanics of throwing, right. He teaches me the mechanics of throwing with using my hips and this lower body that I have, this strength that we work for, right, instead of just using all arm all the time – it’s just less consistent and it’s more strain on your body, right? So it’s just working that over the last four years, I think it’s been super beneficial. It’s helped me become way more accurate and consistent.”
At his introductory press conference, Willis specifically credited quarterbacks coach Quincy Avery of Quarterback Takeover.
In limited NFL playing time, Willis, 26, has increased his completion percentage. In Tennessee, it was 53 percent and in Green Bay it was 78.7 percent.
Willis had 66 pass attempts in Tennessee and 89 in Green Bay. But the Dolphins are banking on the growth they saw on the field and in practice. Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley and general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan come to the Dolphins from the Packers.
Miami Dolphins’ Malik Willis improves accuracy
Willis has one of the strongest arms in the NFL. He’s a dynamic athlete, capable of extending plays. If Willis can prove to be at least average in terms of accuracy, he should be a dangerous weapon.
Tolbert, 27, played four seasons with the Cowboys. He has had a personal relationship with Wilis that may prove helpful.
“I see a guy who has crazy arm strength,” Tolbert said. “He loves to improvise. He’s going to run with his legs, try to look for a play, extend the play. A smart guy as well. I think he probably mentioned it to y’all before, I’ve known Malik since we obviously came into the league together and he’s gotten smarter.
“He’s learned what not to do and what to do and how to be a pro and how to carry himself in a certain way to be that guy that he’s getting the opportunity to be. I think he has an opportunity in front of him, and I know that he’s ready for it. I’m looking forward to being able to be by his side and help and be there for him, be a reliable person for him.”
Willis says leadership is build over time. But he’s off to a fast start.
“I feel like leadership, we should all be leading each other,” Willis said. Obviously to earn the position of leadership, that’s what you’ve got to do. You’ve got to earn it. You’ve got to do what you need to do each day to prepare, do what you need to do each day to work. You’ve got to be a guy that can hold people accountable and be held accountable.”
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe’s free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: How Dolphins’ Malik Willis tweaked his mechanics to improve accuracy
Reporting by Joe Schad, Palm Beach Post / Palm Beach Post
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
