Bracie Smathers
Footballguy
Josh Larky
@jlarkytweets
Josh Dobbs tonight: 232 passing yards Malik Willis (3 starts): 234 passing yards
@jlarkytweets
Josh Dobbs tonight: 232 passing yards Malik Willis (3 starts): 234 passing yards
Titans head coach Mike Vrabel named Josh Dobbs as the starter for Week 18 against the Jaguars.
It took almost six years for Dobbs to see his first career start, which came last week against the Cowboys. Now, the former fourth-round pick will make his second-straight start, with this one set to decide the winner of the AFC South. In last week's loss to the Cowboys, Dobbs completed 20-of-39 passes for 232 yards, one touchdown, and one interception. While some expected to see rookie quarterback Malik Willis in the game, there's no denying Dobbs is the more polished passer and allows the Titans to diversify their playcalling.
I’ll hang on to him in my SF dynasty for sure. But wouldn’t in start 1 formats with small benches.Willis clearly isn’t ready, but deciding whether to hold on to him for next year in my deep keeper league. Can’t imagine they’ll turn the keys over to Malik even if they part ways with Tannehill.
Honestly, I think he’ll be an interesting backup for most of his career. Good kid, I’m definitely cheering for him to succeed. But he’s exactly who many of us thought he was a year ago.From the few clips I’ve seen, Willis seems like a nice, well-grounded guy. Not sure he’s cut out to be an NFL QB, but I hope he at least gets some proper coaching in the offseason to at least give him a better shot.Kind of sounds like Willis said he was sick in this pregame vid.
I’ve said it before, but the bigger thing imo is that he was recruited by a top school. Even made their team. And then transferred away because he wasn’t going to start over a player who probably doesn’t have much of an NFL career. Most transfers with the talent to play in the NFL go to other big programs.I thought of McNair too but Alcorn St. has over 50 players drafted in the NFL. And guys like Donald Driver were pretty good too. They even have more undrafted NFL players, than Liberty has drafted. And also 3 first round picks. Liberty is way behind.
What in his history indicates an ability to improve with coaching? He could not lead Auburn’s offense. The offense at Liberty was limited at best. He genuinely seems like a quality person with physical talent, but it would be really surprising to see him lead an NFL team to the playoffs, let alone a SB victory.I assume most of his detractors believe he is unlikely improve with coaching. Either he can or can’t. I could see him being like a young Matt Stafford relying on his incredible arm too much and often making bonehead decisions. Can he progress faster or slower? Even if that was the risk, don’t think 19 teams passing on him.
I have a sinking feeling he’s a Titan![]()
I’ll hang on to him in my SF dynasty for sure. But wouldn’t in start 1 formats with small benches.Willis clearly isn’t ready, but deciding whether to hold on to him for next year in my deep keeper league. Can’t imagine they’ll turn the keys over to Malik even if they part ways with Tannehill.
He always was going to be a project and boom/bust.
Trade bait.Dobbs no question should start next week. Willis has shown zero.
I don't think Willis will be long for the NFL on gameday rosters. I'm sure he could bounce around the league on practice squads as a developmental talent. I'd be surprised personally if Willis made the 53 next year for the Titans (whether it's Vrabel or not)
NFL Rookie Watch @NFLRookieWatxh
Malik Willis has reportedly “fallen out of favor” to be the Titans next franchise QB. Willis could reportedly be traded if the Titans either trade up or select a QB in the first round of the NFL Draft. Willis was selected by the Titans 86th overall in last year’s Draft. Willis played in 8 games last season and finished with a QBR of 12.4
“Fallen out” implies he was ever favored. There was hope but nobody really expected him to do it which is why he fell to the 3rd. Not to mention drafted by a guy fired mid season.NFL Rookie Watch @NFLRookieWatxhMalik Willis has reportedly “fallen out of favor” to be the Titans next franchise QB. Willis could reportedly be traded if the Titans either trade up or select a QB in the first round of the NFL Draft. Willis was selected by the Titans 86th overall in last year’s Draft. Willis played in 8 games last season and finished with a QBR of 12.4
If I were the GM of pretty much any team, but especially one where QB rushing was a part of the offense, I would gladly pay that for Willis.Not sure what they could expect to get in a trade for him. He looked positively horrific last season, even for a rookie. Maybe a 6th?
Really late to this one, but I thought if Willis were truly open to playing RB, he would have been drafted higher than he was as a QB. A few anonymous GM's implied he was the best runner in last year's draft after Hall/Walker.Is it wrong to wonder if he can catch?
They aren’t trading Willis. Especially not for a 6th. I do think they may add a late round pick (Cunningham, Dugan?) or a UDFA (Tyson Bagent?), unless they get Hooker in the 2nd. I’d be quite okay with a QB room of Tannehill, Hooker and Willis if that means they get Paris or Skoronski.Not sure what they could expect to get in a trade for him. He looked positively horrific last season, even for a rookie. Maybe a 6th?
Charles Robinson wrote that...pretty much all I've said over n over except the QB room and slow news day? I got to hear the Titans on national radio some. Did you?They aren’t trading Willis. Especially not for a 6th. I do think they may add a late round pick (Cunningham, Dugan?) or a UDFA (Tyson Bagent?), unless they get Hooker in the 2nd. I’d be quite okay with a QB room of Tannehill, Hooker and Willis if that means they get Paris or Skoronski.Not sure what they could expect to get in a trade for him. He looked positively horrific last season, even for a rookie. Maybe a 6th?
I’d personally like to see Willis do a decent Taysom Hill impression. That would make him easily worth the 3rd round pick imo.
Quoting again....They aren’t trading Willis. Especially not for a 6th. I do think they may add a late round pick (Cunningham, Dugan?) or a UDFA (Tyson Bagent?), unless they get Hooker in the 2nd. I’d be quite okay with a QB room of Tannehill, Hooker and Willis if that means they get Paris or Skoronski.Not sure what they could expect to get in a trade for him. He looked positively horrific last season, even for a rookie. Maybe a 6th?
I’d personally like to see Willis do a decent Taysom Hill impression. That would make him easily worth the 3rd round pick imo.
I’m pretty sure the only guy who had faith in him at the start was fired last fall.
He's a smart guy with wheels and a big arm. He played in an elementary system and was considered a project. No one with the Titans can coach this guy up?
In all honesty, when’s the last time the titans coached up a player early in his career to have a successful career as a starter? Tim Kelly hasn’t shown that ability any better.He's a smart guy with wheels and a big arm. He played in an elementary system and was considered a project. No one with the Titans can coach this guy up?
4) Malik Willis, QB, Tennessee Titans: The Titans used a third-round pick on Willis last year because they hoped he could be the successor to Ryan Tannehill. It took them all of one year to decide they needed another option in that quest to find a quarterback of the future, which ultimately became Kentucky quarterback Will Levis. We all know how awful it was to watch Levis, a player many thought could be a top-five pick, go undrafted in the first round (one year after Willis, ironically, went through the same humiliation). However, the Titans took him with the 33rd overall selection, and Levis is now part of a well-coached team that has a history of playing to the strengths of its quarterbacks. It's clear the Titans plan on giving Tannehill another year as their starter. After that, Levis seems likely to get the shot that once was supposed to go to Willis.
FOX Sports' Ben Arthur writes Malik Willis "is the odd man out as long as [Ryan] Tannehill is on the roster."
"The Titans don't typically keep three quarterbacks on the 53," the former Titans beat writer continued as he projected the team's 53-man roster after the draft. The pick of Will Levis in the second-round threw away any remaining "quarterback of the future" credentials Willis had after a disastrous run in 2022 that arguably helped get former GM Jon Robinson fired. Willis turns 24 later this month and probably should be renting rather than buying in Nashville, even if a trade for Tannehill comes together in the near future.
SOURCE: FOX Sports
May 9, 2023 at 5:55 PM ET
Maybe distant future. I'd be shocked if he didn't get some chance(s) elsewhere, and if failing that, a look at RB/WR. Dude's 6-1 220 and runs 4.4. He's got the build to make a switch if need be.I see football in the spring in his future
Titans really need a WR 🤔Bears and Ravens should both be interested if the price is almost (or even) free.
Maybe distant future. I'd be shocked if he didn't get some chance(s) elsewhere, and if failing that, a look at RB/WR. Dude's 6-1 220 and runs 4.4. He's got the build to make a switch if need be.I see football in the spring in his future
He has no business as a primary backup. Maybe can cut his teeth on a practice squad if he's hellbent being QB-only on a team like Ravens/Bears.FOX Sports' Ben Arthur writes Malik Willis "is the odd man out as long as [Ryan] Tannehill is on the roster."
"The Titans don't typically keep three quarterbacks on the 53," the former Titans beat writer continued as he projected the team's 53-man roster after the draft. The pick of Will Levis in the second-round threw away any remaining "quarterback of the future" credentials Willis had after a disastrous run in 2022 that arguably helped get former GM Jon Robinson fired. Willis turns 24 later this month and probably should be renting rather than buying in Nashville, even if a trade for Tannehill comes together in the near future.
SOURCE: FOX Sports
May 9, 2023 at 5:55 PM ET
AgreeIn all honesty, when’s the last time the titans coached up a player early in his career to have a successful career as a starter? Tim Kelly hasn’t shown that ability any better.He's a smart guy with wheels and a big arm. He played in an elementary system and was considered a project. No one with the Titans can coach this guy up?
The value for him in the third was that he's cheap, high ceiling, and can wait til he develops.He has no business as a primary backup. Maybe can cut his teeth on a practice squad if he's hellbent being QB-only on a team like Ravens/Bears.FOX Sports' Ben Arthur writes Malik Willis "is the odd man out as long as [Ryan] Tannehill is on the roster."
"The Titans don't typically keep three quarterbacks on the 53," the former Titans beat writer continued as he projected the team's 53-man roster after the draft. The pick of Will Levis in the second-round threw away any remaining "quarterback of the future" credentials Willis had after a disastrous run in 2022 that arguably helped get former GM Jon Robinson fired. Willis turns 24 later this month and probably should be renting rather than buying in Nashville, even if a trade for Tannehill comes together in the near future.
SOURCE: FOX Sports
May 9, 2023 at 5:55 PM ET
Only way he should see an NFL field anytime soon is if he can develop as a gimmick type.
It was embarrassing what he did in his starting trial. Made a lot of teams look smart passing on him in draft.
I love the XFL defenders red zone offense.Not sure why he's not worth a roster spot to run some Taysom Hill style plays as a change of pace. Seems like some teams could make that work.
🤷 many of us said the same thing over a year ago.His value is ZERO. Don't fool yourself TEN fans, it is and if it was higher he wouldn't have gone from a #1 potential pick to end of the 3rd round ... that means teams watched and he stunk. And it's also why he couldn't get playing time from Jaret Stidham at AUB. I watched him a good bit at Liberty ... he was better than his competition but not very good overall. I got no problem with TEN taking a shot on him. QBs are often worth getting into camp and seeing what they have. But at this point you can't call plays for someone that is the 3rd best QB on your team. How'd that work for NO ... Taysom Hill still sucked. Those guys belong deep on the bench. Just stick Willis on practice squad and see what happens.
🤔🤷 it’s MaySo far so good for him....
Yeah absolutely but also he's never been really good at delivering the football, accurate, or making great decisions.🤔🤷 it’s MaySo far so good for him....
fair.Yeah absolutely but also he's never been really good at delivering the football, accurate, or making great decisions.🤔🤷 it’s MaySo far so good for him....
That well regarded QB coach he went to in February and March did good with him.
The little the reporters were able to watch (and it's shamefully low) of OTAs, they're all seeing an improved player too.
It's no training camp, preseason, or the regular season so there's plenty more to improve upon but he got this step accomplished.
I don't expect he plays in 2023. Unless he does something super impressive, I expect some fictitious camp battle next year that Levis wins and Willis is probably the backup. Still, I feel like the guy does deserve some credit for putting the work in and improving