MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — The Dolphins’ OTA work continued Tuesday with new starting quarterback Malik Willis focusing on building chemistry and trust with teammates, while first-year head coach Jeff Hafley stressed fundamentals, accountability and effort during the early stages of Miami’s offseason program.
Willis, who is stepping into a larger leadership role this season, said his approach has remained consistent despite now being viewed as the team’s starting quarterback.
“You got to be grateful in this league and this opportunity,” Willis said. “Whether you’re first or fourth, it doesn’t matter. You got to take advantage of each day and try to work as hard as you can to get better.”
Hafley said his message to Willis has been to avoid putting too much pressure on himself as a leader while learning a new system and environment.
“My main focus for him right now is to learn, learn the scheme, get to know the players and not overdo the whole leadership thing,” Hafley said. “Focus on becoming the best quarterback and the best player and the best teammate he can be.”
Willis said leadership comes naturally through consistency and accountability rather than simply being handed the role.
“It’s about building trust,” Willis said. “I don’t think you just put somebody in a position and say, OK, you’re a leader now. You’ve got to earn that.”
The quarterback also emphasized the importance of developing chemistry with Miami’s receivers during OTA work, especially with several new faces on the roster.
“I think it’s just reps,” Willis said. “That’s all this thing comes down to is reps and understanding the timing.”
Willis said he has already spent time away from the facility getting to know teammates, including offensive tackle Patrick Paul, as players continue building relationships during organized team activities.
“It’s been awesome getting to know all the guys,” Willis said. “A bunch of guys love ball in this building.”
Hafley, meanwhile, described the current phase of OTAs as an important evaluation period as coaches monitor how players apply classroom lessons and technique work onto the practice field.
“Can you take coaching? Can you take what you’ve learned in the classroom … and now not change who you are and start making stuff up and putting that all together?” he said. “It’s the attitude and effort, the things that they can control.”
The first-year head coach said he has been closely observing both players and coaches during practices while bouncing between offensive and defensive position groups.
“I’m really observing right now,” Hafley said. “I’m watching the coaches. I’m watching the players. I want everything run a certain way.”
Hafley also addressed Miami’s recent extension with running back De’Von Achane, calling it important for the organization to reward players who produce early in their careers.
“I think it sends a good message when you have a player who is here on his first contract and has produced and had success, to reward that player with a second contract,” Hafley said.
On the field, Miami’s defense generated several takeaways during OTA work, according to the Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly.
Safety Dante Trader Jr. intercepted a pass intended for Jalen Tolbert from Willis, while fourth-round pick Kyle Louis stepped in front of a pass from rookie quarterback Mark Gronowski and returned it for a pick-six.
Veteran cornerback A.J. Green later added another interception after tipping a pass intended for Tahj Washington.
Willis also joked about Hafley nearly forcing a fumble during a ball-security drill.
“He almost got me,” Willis said with a laugh. “Got to be careful.”
On the field, Miami’s defense generated three takeaways during OTA work, according to Miami Herald’s Omar Kelly.
Safety Dante Trader Jr. intercepted a pass intended for Jalen Tolbert from Willis, while fourth-round rookie linebacker Kyle Louis stepped in front of a pass from rookie quarterback Mark Gronowski and returned it for a pick-six.
Veteran cornerback A.J. Green later added another interception after tipping a pass intended for Tahj Washington.
It’s an encouraging scene for a young defensive back group that saw cornerbacks Kader Kohou (Kansas City), Jack Jones (San Francisco), and safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (New York Jets) join new teams in the offseason.
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