Four years ago, Darrell Bevell was eyeing Zach Wilson intently ahead of the NFL draft. Fast forward to today, and Bevell is the Miami Dolphins QB coach, tasked with refining Wilson’s passing prowess.
The goal? To gear up Wilson as a reliable option behind Tua Tagovailoa.
This isn’t just a crash course; it’s a meticulous journey of skill-sharpening and game-tweaking.
“He’s got the talent,” Bevell asserts, acknowledging Wilson’s first-round draft pedigree. “We’re focused on making the tweaks needed for our offense. Once we hit the field against defenses, we can really see the progress.”
Bevell’s introduction to Wilson dates back to the 2021 draft when he was crafting offensive plays for the Jacksonville Jaguars, who were eyeing up the top QB spot with Trevor Lawrence, a year before the New York Jets snagged Wilson. After a testing run in New York, Wilson landed with the Denver Broncos last year, finding himself third on the depth chart under Sean Payton’s supervision.
“We had our eye on guys like Zach, Trevor, and Justin Fields,” Bevell recalls. “Zach made an impression back then, and I was keen to help refine what was there.
The experiences he went through with the Jets, though tough, were invaluable. The stint under Sean Payton in Denver was another chance to evolve before joining us.
We’ve got our unique style here.”
Wilson’s commitment to the process has won his coach’s admiration. Bevell praises his demeanor off the field.
“As a person, he’s been exceptional. The synergy he has with Tua is great; they have engaging discussions about their past and how they’ve grown from it.
He’s eager, humble, and open to growth. It’s been a pleasant surprise.”
Even with such potential and development, the Dolphins hope Wilson serves more as a standby option, ideally donning a baseball cap on the sidelines while Tua remains healthy on the field. With time left before the season kicks off, Wilson can hone his skills, especially in forthcoming joint practices against teams like the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders.
“Every snap in our scheme is crucial for him,” Bevell explains. “We’ve structured our offseason program methodically, emphasizing fundamentals. From individual drills to integrated team maneuvers, each phase, especially against different defenses, will be invaluable for his growth.”
The physical tools are all there, according to Bevell. “He’s got a cannon of an arm.
It’s a gift. But we’re challenging him not to lean solely on that strength.
Learning the nuances of footwork and syncing it with his throws – that’s where the real magic happens for quarterbacks.”