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Malik Willis Named Dolphins Starter as OTAs Spotlight Accuracy Worries and Thin WR Corps

Miami’s new regime has committed to a roster reset that prioritizes Willis and a run-first identity under coach Jeff Hafley.

Overview

  • Willis called the Jaylen Waddle trade “unfortunate” and said the decision was “above my pay grade” during media availability at OTAs on Tuesday.
  • The Dolphins signed Willis on March 9 to a three-year, roughly $67.5 million deal with $45 million fully guaranteed, signaling a clear commitment despite his limited NFL starts.
  • Miami dealt Waddle to the Denver Broncos for draft capital that included a first-round pick and used that pick to select receiver Chris Bell.
  • The receiver room is now a mix of veterans (Jalen Tolbert, Tutu Atwell, Terrace Marshall Jr.) and rookies (Caleb Douglas, Chris Bell, Kevin Coleman Jr.) and currently lacks a proven WR1 to replace Waddle.
  • Early OTA reports praised Willis’s mobility and arm strength but criticized his downfield accuracy and timing while local coverage suggested Quinn Ewers is unlikely to challenge the starting job; training camp will be the key test for quarterback accuracy and which receivers emerge.