Dolphins see bigger role for Malik Washington as Tagovailoa lauds his football IQ
In Miami’s latest preseason action, Tua Tagovailoa found Malik Washington on his first four completions of the game, underscoring a growing trust between the quarterback and the rising second-year receiver. Washington, who burst onto the scene with his sharp football IQ, has impressed teammates and coaches with his ability to read defenses and stay in sync with the timing of the Dolphins’ offense.
Washington’s rapid grasp of Miami’s schemes isn’t just anecdotal praise. The 24-year-old sixth-round pick from the 2024 NFL draft finished his rookie year with 26 receptions for 223 yards, plus a rushing touchdown from 18 yards and a game-saving punt return late in the season. Those moments hinted at a versatile playmaker whose impact could extend beyond traditional catches.
“Malik is the type of player that’s going to be right where you need him to be,” Tagovailoa said earlier this month. “He’s going to be someone that plays within the timing of the play, knowing how deep he needs to be versus zone coverage and versus man coverage, working his man and getting to the right stem within the right timing as well. He takes coaching really, really well, too. If you tell him on a certain route, ‘I don’t like that you did this. I want this.’ Next time it comes up, you know what you’re going to get with him.”
Tagovailoa’s praise highlights a rare trait for a player who was a rookie last season: Washington’s maturity and quick study of the offense. The quarterback called Washington “very smart, very intuitive,” noting that Washington’s ability to understand where to be and when to be there is “very unique” for someone who just completed his first NFL season.
The praise from Tagovailoa comes as Washington is positioned for a larger role in 2025. If the early signal-caller-Receivers chemistry holds, Washington could be a reliable option on quick-hit throws, mesh concepts, and timing routes, especially as defenses adjust to Miami’s passing attack and the emphasis on precision in the offense.
Contextually, Washington’s rapid development is notable in contrast to veteran wide receiver Tyreek Hill, who acknowledged earlier this month that he didn’t fully grasp the Dolphins’ offense during his first three seasons in Miami. Washington’s quick assimilation suggests a potential path to a steadier, more consistent target for Tagovailoa, even as the team evaluates how to best utilize its depth at receiver.
What to watch going forward
– Command of the offense: Expect Washington to continue showing precise routes and strong stems, which help give Tagovailoa reliable windows in both zone and man looks.
– Role expansion: With a year of experience under his belt, Washington could see more high-percentage targets and increased involvement in the passing game.
– Mentorship and coaching: Washington’s willingness to learn and adjust on coaching feedback could translate into quicker in-game recognition and fewer mental errors.
Overall, the Dolphins are signaling that Washington is not just a complementary piece but a potential engine for Miami’s aerial attack, thanks to a rare combination of football IQ, route discipline, and coachable character. If this trajectory continues, Washington could become a pivotal figure for the Dolphins as they look to bolster their offense around Tagovailoa.