Titans HC Mike Vrabel Praises QB Malik Willis: 'There's a Presence to Him'

NASHVILLE — Tennessee Titans quarterback Malik Willis is heading into his second season and looking to take a major jump in development on his way to winning the backup quarterback job in 2023.

With the preseason kicking off in a matter of days, we will see just what that development looks like, but in the mean time, Titans head coach Mike Vrabel gave Willis some positive reviews when discussing that growth after practice on Tuesday.

"I just think it's the way he walks in the building, I think that you know when he's there. I'll leave it at that." Vrabel said. In a positive turn for Willis, Vrabel did not leave it at that.

"The biggest thing is that you know when he is in the building. There's a presence to him. Bopping around, that's the biggest thing to me, that you know he's there. Not just being there, but he's there, he's engaged. You hear him, you see him, those are all positives."

Willis isn't just in the building, he's on the field. Vrabel also discussed a play from Willis that showed his improvement in that arena at Tuesday's practice as well.

"There's times where you have to use your ability," Vrabel explained. "That's his movement and being able to escape and run is something that he has to be able to do, but then also being able to keep his eyes downfield. Being able to, when guys break like they did today — really cool play there with (Josh) Whyle which would've been another long gain for the offense."

Vrabel continued describing the play where Willis completed a pass to rookie tight end Josh Whyle.

"I thought that was a really cool play. Just sliding over there, not just taking off and running, which he probably would've gained some good yards, but being able to look downfield and keep his eyes downfield really forces the defense into coming out of coverage or plastering. In that case, Malik's got to make a great decision and take off."

Willis' completion to Whyle is something the Titans are hoping to see again this Saturday against the Chicago Bears in their first preseason game of the year. If Willis continues to make his presence felt on and off the field, he could have a chance to make sure his presence is felt on the depth chart as well come September.

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