WASHINGTON, D.C. ― This is the fifth NFL season for Miami Dolphins quarterback Malik Willis, but as coach Jeff Hafley correctly notes, "It's like his rookie year..."
That's because Willis has made only six career starts.
That's why it makes all the sense in the world for Hafley to say he plans to play Willis in the Dolphins' preseason opener at the Commanders on Friday, Aug. 14, at 7 p.m.
"He'd kind of been quiet playing his role, playing football," Hafley said before a joint practice with Washington in Virginia. "I saw more leadership this week, not just with the wide receivers, but the whole offense. And I think that's a really big step. And I'm really proud of him for that."
It's time for — no pun intended — Willis to take total Command of the
Dolphins' offense.
These preseason reps can be valuable for Willis and the Dolphins.
"We're young," Hafley said, adding, "We need to experience going into a game together, being in the locker room, coming out together, the kickoff, everything that goes into it. We got to play football, so everybody should expect to play."
Willis could be seen scrambling for his life on occasion during the joint practice. It's a good thing he's got wheels because he may need to use them in 2026.
Willis has demonstrated a strong arm, mobility and fearlessness.
But it's hard to say how well he can operate, including on Friday night, with an offensive line that needs to gel and a group of unproven receiving weapons.
That's why Willis is the clear first choice for player to watch in the Dolphins-Commanders game.
Dolphins vs. Commanders preseason game: Players To Watch
Here are four others to watch:
LG Kadyn Proctor ― Proctor is making the transition from college tackle to NFL guard and this should be his first exposure at guard under the bright lights. Washington's defensive line had some really strong moments against Miami's offensive line in the joint practice, so it's time for some payback.
RG Jonah Savaiinaea ― Jonah is making the transition from left guard to right guard, in part because he's more comfortable on the right side. Jonah allowed way too many pass pressures last season but he has shown improvement in practice. To what extent does it translate to game action?
WR Caleb Douglas ― Caleb has been a camp standout and he's making GM Jon-Eric Sullivan look so far so good in his decision to take Douglas in the third round. Size. Wing span. Speed. Body control. Miami can only hope that Douglas and Chris Bell (when he returns from a knee injury) because a valuable and trusted pair of weapons for Willis.
LB Jacob Rodriguez ― Dolphins veteran Jordyn Brooks correctly asserted that the rookie Rodriguez is "ascending." Already. Rodriguez treats practice like a game so we can't imagine how hair-on-fire he'll be playing in a real preseason NFL game. Relentless effort. Persistent pursuit. Magnet to the ball. There is every reason to believe Rodriguez, a second-rounder, is going to play early and often.
Joe Schad is a journalist covering the Miami Dolphins and the NFL at The Palm Beach Post. You can reach him at jschad@pbpost.com and follow him on Instagram and on X @schadjoe. Sign up for Joe's free weekly Dolphins Pulse Newsletter. Help support our work by subscribing today.
This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Dolphins QB Malik Willis needs these preseason reps at Washington
