Malik Willis’ ex-coach says his athleticism makes him a unique NFL quarterback
The first thing anyone who knows Malik Willis and the quarterback’s unique skill set mentions are his legs.
His athleticism. His speed (supposedly sub-4.4) and agility.
His ability to scramble, either for yardage, or to buy time in the pocket.
It’s the improvisation that keeps defenders on edge.
While Willis, an Atlanta native who idolized Michael Vick growing up, attempts to downplay his mobility, the people around him, those who have coached him, view it as his superpower.
“It’s hard to find a guy that athletic, at that position,” Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur said about the Miami Dolphins’ recently signed quarterback, whom he coached for the past two seasons.
When pressed into duty Willis led the Packers to a 2-1 record as a replacement starter, and produced a 135.1 passer rating in those games the past two seasons.
“We all saw what he can do with his legs,” LaFleur said, referring to Willis’ 405 rushing yards gained on 75 carries, which includes four rushing touchdowns the past four seasons.
That averages out to 5.5 yards per carry, and 18.4 rushing yards per game throughout his career. But the sample size is small.
For comparison sake, Vick averaged 7.0 yards per carry, and 42.7 rushing yards per game in his 12 NFL seasons.
Baltimore’s Lamar Jackson, a two-time MVP winner who is recognized as the NFL’s most dangerous dual-threat quarterback today, averaged 6.0 yards per carry, and 56.2 rushing yards per game.
Josh Allen averages 5.2 yards per carry and 36.9 rushing yards per game as the Buffalo Bills’ starting quarterback.
Clearly, Willis isn’t in their league yet. But it seems as if he has the potential to do more if the offense incorporates his scrambling ability, which forces defensive coaches to redefine their approach, generally becoming less aggressive.
“Malik did a great job coming in, being receptive to the coaching. He really showed a lot of growth in the passing game, refining his mechanics,” LaFleur continued. “He’s a really talented thrower. He surprised me sometimes with his accuracy, especially down the field. He was on point.”
Willis leaned on his athleticism so much in his early days as a Tennessee Titans third-round pick, and then a young quarterback the Packers traded a seventh-round pick to acquire, his coaches had to often restrict his scrambling ability, especially when he led the scout-team offense that was responsible for getting the defense ready for Sunday’s game.
At times, Willis was prohibited from running during practice, mandated that he stay in the pocket, and that assisted his growth and development.
“He still scrambled around,” LaFleur said when asked about occasional scout team restrictions. “Every week was a little different. He did a great job playing to whatever look we were trying to get.”
But the true development happened when Willis was running Green Bay’s base offense west coast, play-action based offense, which the Dolphins plan to implement under new head coach Jeff Hafley, in the offseason program and training camp.
The growth was evident, and it translated to the instances where Willis was forced into action because of injuries to Jordan Love.
The Dolphins’ new decision makers, Hafley and newly hired general manager Jon-Eric Sullivan got an up close and personal look at Willis’ growth and decided to sign him to a three-year, $67.5 million contract, which guarantees him $45 million.
While he will complete with Quinn Ewers, Cam Miller, and whoever else the Dolphins add to the quarterback room via the draft or free agency, for the starting role, the expectations are that he’ll begin camp taking the first snap. That likely means Willis will be given every opportunity to prove he’s a legitimate NFL starting quarterback.
“I’m certainly excited for his opportunity in Miami,” LaFleur said
.According to LaFleur, the possibility of Willis succeeding is “very high,” but LaFleur points out that “too many times quarterbacks get put in situations where it can’t be all on the quarterback.
“You have to surround these guys with pieces. Nobody can do it by themselves. I’m not saying they have, or have not,” LaFleur said. “That has to be under consideration when you’re talking about the true evaluation of a quarterback.”
This story was originally published March 30, 2026 at 1:13 PM.
