As the NFL Draft approaches, speculation and rumors about potential picks are swirling. One name that has been generating buzz is Malik Willis, the talented quarterback from Liberty University. With a reported $67.5 million contract, the Miami Dolphins are placing a lot of faith in Willis to be their franchise quarterback. However, one ESPN analyst believes that the Dolphins should have a backup plan in case Willis doesn’t live up to expectations.
According to ESPN’s Todd McShay, the Dolphins should consider drafting a high-upside passer in the later rounds of the draft as an insurance policy for Willis. McShay believes that while Willis has all the physical tools to succeed in the NFL, his lack of experience and consistency could be a cause for concern. By drafting another quarterback with potential, the Dolphins would have a safety net in case Willis doesn’t pan out.
This idea may seem controversial to some, as it questions the faith the Dolphins have placed in Willis. However, it is not uncommon for teams to draft multiple quarterbacks in a single draft. In fact, the Dolphins themselves did exactly that in 2019 when they drafted both Josh Rosen and Ryan Fitzpatrick. While Rosen was expected to be the future of the franchise, Fitzpatrick ended up being the starter for the majority of the season.
McShay’s suggestion is not a reflection of his lack of confidence in Willis, but rather a strategic move to ensure the success of the team. He believes that having multiple options at the quarterback position is always beneficial, especially in a league where injuries are common and can significantly impact a team’s season.
Furthermore, the Dolphins have a history of drafting quarterbacks with high potential in later rounds. In 2016, they selected Ryan Tannehill with the eighth overall pick, but also drafted Brandon Doughty in the seventh round. While Tannehill became the starter, Doughty provided depth and competition in training camp. This competition ultimately pushed Tannehill to improve and solidify his spot as the starting quarterback.
If the Dolphins do decide to take McShay’s advice and draft another quarterback, there are several options available in the later rounds. Players like Kellen Mond from Texas A&M, Jamie Newman from Wake Forest, and Davis Mills from Stanford are all talented quarterbacks who could potentially be available in the third or fourth round. These players have shown flashes of potential and could benefit from learning and developing behind a veteran like Fitzpatrick.
Of course, this is all speculation and the Dolphins may choose to stick with Willis as their sole quarterback option. However, McShay’s suggestion highlights the importance of having depth and competition at the quarterback position. In today’s NFL, having a reliable backup quarterback is crucial, as seen with the success of teams like the Philadelphia Eagles and New Orleans Saints, who have both relied on their backup quarterbacks in recent years.
Ultimately, the decision lies in the hands of the Miami Dolphins organization. They have done their due diligence in scouting and evaluating Willis, and they believe he has the potential to be their franchise quarterback. However, considering the unpredictable nature of the NFL, having a high-upside passer waiting in the wings could prove to be a smart move for the Dolphins.
In conclusion, the suggestion by ESPN’s Todd McShay to draft a high-upside passer as a backup plan for Malik Willis may seem unconventional, but it is a strategic move that could benefit the Dolphins in the long run. It is not a reflection of doubt in Willis, but rather a way to ensure the success of the team. Whether the Dolphins choose to follow this advice or not, one thing is for sure, the NFL Draft is always full of surprises and anything can happen.
