A notable storyline around Willis is a bold prediction from Sports Illustrated’s Connor Orr: Willis is expected to finish with a higher EPA per play than Bo Nix, suggesting Willis could maximize the Dolphins’ athletic, improvisational offensive style. Dolphins Wire corroborates this by highlighting Willis’s historically strong EPA per dropback (the best in the NFL for quarterbacks with at least 100 dropbacks) and noting that adding a target like Jaylen Waddle could boost efficiency.
Supporting context shows mixed assessments from insiders. While some media members view Willis as the favored starter, others emphasize a possible quarterback competition, with calls for a more explicit camp trial between Willis and Ewers. Analysts from Miami Herald and SI have stressed Willis’s physical advantages and the potential for a bridge quarterback approach, but acknowledge that Ewers’ familiarity with the offense could drive a closer competition. This outlook frames Willis’s challenge: prove consistency and efficiency to solidify the Dolphins’ 2026 starter role amid internal competition and evolving offensive schemes.
Key takeaways:
– Malik Willis is the Dolphins’ anticipated 2026 starter, coming off a new three-year contract.
– Bold predictions project Willis to outperform Bo Nix in EPA per play, highlighting potential efficiency for Miami’s offense.
– The quarterback room includes competition from Quinn Ewers, with varied media opinions on who leads the QB depth chart.
