Many Tennessee fans were ready to move on from Malik Willis after his rookie season. A third-round pick in the 2022 NFL draft from Liberty University, Willis appeared in three games for the Titans, completing 31 of 61 passing attempts for 276 yards and three interceptions.
Willis did not look ready to compete in the NFL. In fairness to him, going from Liberty to the NFL is a significant jump and would require patience.
In 2023, it looked like the Titans were prepared to move on from Willis, too, using a second-round pick on quarterback Will Levis. It was Levis who Tennessee turned to replace Ryan Tannehill.
When new coach Brian Callahan took over this offseason, it was clear the plan was to build around Levis. Willis’ future became even murkier when the Titans signed veteran Mason Rudolph, but Callahan made it clear that Rudolph and Willis were on equal footing for the backup job.
“It’s a competition,” Callahan said last month. “They’re going to both get a fair shake at the two-job.”
During Saturday’s practice at Nissan Stadium, Willis had a terrific practice. Callahan was impressed.
“Really pleased with Malik,” Callahan said. “I think both those quarterbacks have really done a nice job. Malik came out and had a nice day with some aggressive throws. He’s really done a nice job knowing what to do, where to go with the football. And, really pleased with how he played today. It was a good day for Malik.”
After Saturday’s practice, Sam Phalen of AtoZSports caught up with Willis, who feels like the first two years of his career have prepared him for where he is now.
“This is my third offense,” Willis said. “I’ve been able to retain the information from all three and learn the entire process. I’ve made my mistakes, but I feel like I’ve learned a lot, and I just feel more comfortable making certain decisions.”
Willis then said no one knows what he’s capable of because he simply hasn’t played enough at this level.
“Y’all haven’t seen much,” Willis told Phalen. “You can see what you can and you can make your best narrative, or best decision on what it was…But at the same time, I haven’t played a lot of football at this level.”
It remains to be seen if Callahan is being honest about Willis legitimately competing for the No. 2 job. Rudolph has looked solid, too. While it’s early, Willis looks like a much different player.