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Who Will Start Opposite Byron Maxwell For the Dolphins?

By Dale-Paul Jordan

Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) celebrates with safety Tyvis Powell (23) after an interception in the third quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Ohio State won 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 1, 2016; Glendale, AZ, USA; Ohio State Buckeyes cornerback Eli Apple (13) celebrates with safety Tyvis Powell (23) after an interception in the third quarter against the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the 2016 Fiesta Bowl at University of Phoenix Stadium. Ohio State won 44-28. Mandatory Credit: Matt Cashore-USA TODAY Sports /
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When Gase starts thinking about his depth chart – who does he honestly think will play across Byron Maxwell? The Miami Dolphins have a serious need at cornerback and right now, their starting cornerback is not on their roster.

The hype and belief was there in 2013 when the Dolphins selected Jamar Taylor in the 2nd round of the NFL draft.  Many draft experts were even surprised that Taylor was available in the 2nd round as there was talk about him sliding to the first round.  That was the hype surrounding this blue chip prospect.   The hype has now diminished, similar to Taylor’s playing time.  To put it in perspective, Taylor was a healthy scratch for the last the 4 games of the season.  The Dolphins didn’t even dress him.

The scary thing about all of this, is if the Dolphins had to line up today Taylor would be the starting cornerback.  The assumption around NFL circles is that the Miami Dolphins will be using their first or second round pick to satisfy this position.

There are three honest options for the Dolphins in the first round:

  • Mackenzie Alexander
    • Based on the game tape alone, Mack will remind Dolphins fans of Patrick Surtain. Mack is the definition of a finesse player.  Smooth off the ball, and amazing shadowing skills. He looks like a true shutdown corner.  The scouting report will show one serious flaw in his game, and that is his zone coverage and responsibility.  Since Vance Joseph will be implementing a press cover 3 scheme, he would have to teach Mack the adjustments that he would require.
  • William Jackson III
    • This kid is blowing up draft charts across every mock that is being published right now. WJ III has the skill set that can be dominant, which he showed off last year in Houston.  The overall concern is his body.  Vance Joseph wants to play a press coverage, and WJ III will most likely get pushed around against the Brandon Marshalls of the league. At the 13 spot WJ III would be a reach in my opinion.
  • Eli Apple
    • The biggest flaw with Apple is his recognition. The worst highlight on him is when he played against Penn State and was dragged 18 yards down field.  Apple reactions tendency need work.  However, off the line, great foot speed and his hip movement against the press coverage is exactly what Joseph would be looking for.  Is an ideal landing spot for Miami and is starting to look a lot like Trumaine Johnson.

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If the Dolphins chose to wait to the 2nd round to address the cornerback position, only two prospects would be worthy of the selection:

  • Artie Burns:
    • The “U” connection will excite the Dolphins fans base. Burns is an interesting prospect, in that he has mad ball skills – 6 interceptions, and this was when he was playing in rotation.  What happens when he plays full time? His biggest strength is his speed, size and ball skills.  Flip the script for a second,  based on Burns strengths you would think he would be a first round talent, but his lack of game recognition and experience make him a project.  If the Dolphins are looking for a day 1 starter it is a risk/reward type of deal. You can play the card and hope this pup has got bite.
  • Xavien Howard
    • Howard checks all the boxes that Joseph is looking for in a cornerback. Howard has the size, skill set and presence that will make him targeted by a few teams in the second round.  There are legit concerns about his long range speed, Howard, is very quick but not fast.  Which would be ideal in a zone 3 press scheme, which is exactly what the Dolphins will be running.

If the Dolphins reach the 3rd round without addressing their cornerback, you can only hope that their draft board didn’t fall in place like they wanted it to.  The Dolphins would then be wise to look at the free agent market and see who could possibly be available and to be honest, there is only one candidate:

  • Leon Hall
    • The connections seem too good to be true. Hall played under Joseph for the past few years during his tenure with the Bengals.  Hall, a former first round pick, has the skill set to come in and start day 1.  He is on the wrong side of the 30, but when the Dolphins signed Brent Grimes a few years ago, to a one year contract, he had his best season.  I am noting saying Hall is in the same class of Grimes, but if he signed, he would be the most experienced corner on the Dolphins.

The Dolphins could surprise everyone and repeat what they did in 2009, which was double down on the cornerback position with selections in both the first and second round.  By doing so, they would be building a core tandem that they thought they had with Vontae Davis and Sean Smith.  A combination of Mackenzie Alexander, Artie Burns and Byron Maxwell adds flexibility, speed and excitement to a depth chart that is lacking excitement.

Isn’t that what the Dolphins should be doing? Adding excitement?

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