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Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis has reportedly outperformed rookie Will Levis during the team’s offseason activities, according to Titans team reporter Jim Wyatt.
However, despite his improved performance, there are no guarantees that Willis will secure a spot on the final roster, per Wyatt.
Wyatt acknowledged that Willis has displayed significant improvement compared to his rookie season. As a third-round pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, Willis was not deemed ready for the demands of the professional league.
Willis was thrust into action due to an injury suffered by veteran quarterback Ryan Tannehill, but struggled to find his footing on the field. In the three games he started, Willis failed to surpass 100 passing yards and threw three interceptions without a single touchdown to his name.
The Titans, in a desperate bid to salvage their playoff hopes, even resorted to starting journeyman quarterback Josh Dobbs in their final game of the regular season. This decision, despite Willis being available, underscored the coaching staff’s lack of confidence in the young quarterback’s ability to lead the team when it mattered most.
Despite his past struggles, Willis still has time to develop into a capable backup or even a potential starter in the future. However, the Titans’ decision to draft Will Levis in the second round, with the 33rd overall pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, sends a clear message that they do not envision Willis as a long-term solution for their quarterback position.
While Willis may have outperformed Levis in the offseason activities, the draft position of the latter indicates that the Titans have high hopes for the young rookie.
Levis, coming into the team as a highly regarded prospect, is expected to compete for playing time and potentially challenge Tannehill for the starting role in the future.
As the Titans approach the regular season, the quarterback position remains an area of uncertainty. While Tannehill is firmly entrenched as the starter, the battle for backup spots and the potential for long-term development is still up in the air.
Willis must continue to impress during training camp and preseason games if he hopes to secure his place on the final 53-man roster.