10 players Miami Dolphins need for playoff run

Aug 23, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins cornerback Jamar Taylor (22) makes a catch before a game against the Dallas Cowboys at Sun Life Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports

JAMAR TAYLOR

If you watched either of the first two pre-season games you will have noticed a significant drop in play by the secondary when the starters are not in the game. That is easily said when it comes to the position of cornerback opposite Brent Grimes. On Saturday the Dolphins Jamar Taylor looked very good before hurting his knee, an injury not serious. Taylor has welcomed the challenge to become better and has shown that he can back that up.

Taylor is not a shutdown corner and never will be but he is talented enough to keep offensive receivers from driving down the field. He only needs to be good but being good is a big task. Will Davis has been far too inconsistent this camp to be expected to fill in should Taylor struggle or get injured. That job would likely fall on Bryce McCain but it’s Taylor’s job to keep the defense flowing.

If Taylor can put a full season on the books and play at the level he has displayed through camp the Dolphins secondary will be improved over last year and will make the job of the front seven easier. The Dolphins are boasting an improved and strong front seven but quick passes by opposing quarterbacks will take the pass rush out of the game and that is where Taylor can make an impact by taking away those short routes and forcing offenses to check down or try and buy time to avoid the pass rush.