Dolphins 2016 Cornerbacks Preview: Tony Lippett

The Miami Dolphins have two open starting cornerback spots this offseason and Tony Lippett should be a contender for one of them. After a year of fully transitioning from wide receiver to corner, Miami expects big things from Lippett.

Cornerback: Tony Lippett

The Miami Dolphins drafted Tony Lippett in the fifth round of the draft last season. He spent last year making a full position change from wide receiver to cornerback. Even in his limited playing time, Lippett was able to make an impact for the Dolphins and show flashes of ability. The Dolphins have two starting cornerback positions this offseason and they have put a lot of faith in players like Lippett to step up and start performing and earn those spots.

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2015 Review

Tony Lippett had a relatively quiet season last year as a rookie. He was transitioning positions from wide receiver to play cornerback. Due to the Dolphins struggles in the secondary last season Lippett was given opportunities to showcase his ability and when he played he didn’t disappoint. Lippett showed flashes of ability last season in the little amount of time he had on the field.

Still a very raw prospect and clearly learning technique, Lippett used his large size and frame to defend passes as one of the Dolphins dime cornerbacks. He was not often out of position or beaten for big plays. In fact, Tony Lippett did everything the Dolphins asked him to do and showed enough promise for the Dolphins to put their faith in him this offseason.

2015 Stats

Lippett played in nine games for Miami with 12 tackles and one pass defended.

2016 Preview

This should be a breakout year for Tony Lippett. Lippett’s size at 6’2” and 200lbs gives him a major advantage playing a press coverage scheme where he can jam receivers on the line. Although this is a new scheme for him, Vance Joseph has been a part of a fantastic Cincinnati secondary and will be able to coach up Lippett. He also has a full year of playing corner in the NFL as a help to win a starting job over some of the new rookies.

Lippett has already been showing his ability and fit in the new scheme this offseason. During one of the OTA practices Tony Lippett had three interceptions. He is making the most of the reps that he is being given and if this continues he may not only win the starting job but be a major playmaker in the Dolphins secondary.

2016 Predicted Stats

50 tackles, 3 interceptions, 13 passes defended, and a forced fumble.