Titans HC Mike Vrabel says QB Malik Willis Has Made 'Glaring Improvement'

The Tennessee Titans hosted a press conference to kickoff their 2023 training camp and Mike Vrabel spoke about second-year quarterback Malik Willis, noting his "glaring improvement" from the spring.

NASHVILLE — The Tennessee Titans' backup quarterback race was the hottest topic surrounding the team just a month ago, but over the past month the pursuit of DeAndre Hopkins and the concern about who will start at right tackle have taken center stage. 

With training camp beginning today, expect that quarterback conversation to heat back up. Second-year player Malik Willis will be battling for his roster spot and fighting for the backup job with rookie second-round pick Will Levis. The Titans not only drafted Levis in the second round, but traded up to get him, making Willis the underdog in the battle.

However, Willis made some headlines during summer practices, outperforming his rookie competitor according to multiple accounts and setting himself up to shock a good portion of the NFL world. Mike Vrabel kept the momentum going for Willis at his press conference prior to training camp.

"I thought Malik (Willis) came out of the spring with glaring improvement," Vrabel said.

Worth noting here that Vrabel led off with a compliment for Willis when asked about the quarterback situation as a whole. Vrabel isn't always the most complimentary coach, especially with Willis, so this sort of small endorsement does make you raise an eyebrow.

If Willis can continue to build on the solid play he showed in organized team activities, there is a chance he could put the team in spot where they have to keep all three quarterbacks on the roster. A decision Willis is hoping to make as tough as possible.

"Feel good about where we are at," Vrabel said. "Can't have too many quarterbacks, and hopefully they're all good ones and that we'll have tough decisions. It was fun to see the guys improve."

Related stories on training camp

• HOPKINS TALKS SIGNING WITH TITANS: DeAndre Hopkins, the newest Tennessee Titans wide receiver met with the Nashville media on Tuesday and shared the reasons that led him to choose Nashville as his new home, among other things. CLICK HERE
• HASKINS' LEGAL TROUBLES: Tennessee Titans running back Hassan Haskins has been charged with aggravated assault, complicating his future with the team, but on Tuesday Mike Vrabel appeared to express patience as the legal matter unfolds. CLICK HERE
• NEXT UP AT RIGHT TACKLE: The Tennessee Titans need to find a replacement for starting right tackle Nicholas Petit-Frere due to a gambling suspension. Mike Vrabel named the internal options for the Titans at the first press conference of training camp. CLICK HERE