LOCALS IN THE NFL

Dolphins QB Coach Gives Zach Wilson High Praise Off First Impressions

May 23, 2025, 5:34 PM

Zach Wilson Miami Dolphins QB Coach...

ENGLEWOOD, COLORADO - JUNE 04: Quarterback Zach Wilson #4 of the Denver Broncos throws during Denver Broncos OTA Offseason Workouts at Centura Health Training Center on June 04, 2024 in Englewood, Colorado. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

(Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

SALT LAKE CITY – Former BYU quarterback Zach Wilson is in the thick of the offseason with his third NFL team and is impressing both on and off the field.

Miami Dolphins quarterback coach Darrell Bevell has spoken highly of Wilson and how he has meshed in a new offense with new teammates.

Zach Wilson Turning Heads In First Looks With Dolphins

An article by Miami Dolphins insider Alain Poupart on Sports Illustrated went over some quotes from Bevell regarding the fifth-year QB.

First, he said that it is clear that Wilson has the talent, and the first steps will just be getting him accustomed to a new system.

“He has the talent. He didn’t get picked there for no reason, right? So he definitely has the talent. And we’re just trying to, from my eyes, make corrections that we want to, that will help fit into our offense. And then once we get to take the next step against defenses, then we’ll be able to continue no more.”

Bevell actually worked with Jacksonville back in 2021 when the Jaguars had the first pick and passed on Wilson to select Trevor Lawrence No. 1 overall. Although Lawrence was the projected top pick, Jacksonville did its due diligence in working out Wilson, Justin Fields, and other talented shot callers from that class.

So, he has seen Wilson dating back to before he was officially an NFL quarterback. Having witnessed his journey from BYU to New York and Denver, Bevell came across as optimistic both about his past and what’s to come.

“It’s been fun to watch his progression at what he went through with the Jets, obviously tough experiences but great learning experiences. If you can step away and look at it from different eyes and then going to Denver, getting with Sean Payton, who’s outstanding as everybody knows, and start to maybe have a few changes and then as he comes here, we don’t do the same stuff that either one of them do.”


Football aside, early indications make it sound like Wilson has been a welcome addition to the locker room.

According to Bevell, not only has he totally bought into his new role, but he has also been quick to build relationships and make good impressions.

“As a person he’s been outstanding. I love the way that he’s come into the room. I love the interactions that Tua and him have been able to have. They’ve had some good conversations, some real conversations, talking about some of their past experiences and things like that. So it’s kind of fun to be in there. And then he’s really eager. He’s really humble. He’s, you know, what can I do? Need to get better. And I’m just, I mean, in every way, I’ve been really pleasantly pleased and pleasantly surprised by how good he’s been.”

Coming up, Miami will hold joint practices with the Chicago Bears, Detroit Lions, and Washington Commanders. Their preseason will kick off in Chicago against the Bears on Sunday, August 10.

About Zach Wilson

Before his time in the NFL, the Corner Canyon High School product had a standout career at BYU. Wilson helped the Cougars to an 11-1 record during his final season in Provo.

Following his college career, the Jets selected Wilson with the No. 2 overall pick in the 2021 NFL Draft.

The Corner Canyon product entered his rookie season as the Jets’ starting quarterback. Wilson experienced multiple knee injuries that caused him to miss significant time during his first two seasons.

He entered the 2023 season as Aaron Rodger’s backup. However, Rodgers went down with a season-ending injury a few plays into New York’s first game. Wilson was thrust back into the starting lineup for a team that showed the same flaws from past seasons.

Late in 2023, Wilson was benched for the third time in his career. He returned to the field a couple of weeks later after the Jets found no success with their other quarterbacks. Wilson suffered a concussion the following week and didn’t play for the remainder of the regular season. The former BYU star missed New York’s final three games and the Jets finished with a 7-10 record, missing the playoffs for a 13th straight year.

In his third season, Wilson threw for 2,271 yards, eight touchdowns, and seven interceptions with a completion percentage of 60.1. He also ran for 211 yards.

After spending the 2024 season as a backup in Denver, the Miami Dolphins signed the former Cougar on March 10, 2025.

About #LocalsInTheNFL

For over five years, KSL Sports has provided coverage on all NFL players with ties to the state of Utah.

Whether they attended Utah or BYU or grew up in the Beehive State, we keep you caught up with how the locals are performing on the highest stage.

From highlights to trades and other breaking news, check out our Locals In The NFL coverage here.

Chandler Holt is a co-host of the Jazz Notes podcast, a Locals In The NFL Insider, and Digital Sports Producer for sports.ksl.com. Follow Chandler on X for Utah Jazz and Locals In The NFL updates.

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Dolphins QB Coach Gives Zach Wilson High Praise Off First Impressions