Dolphins still need help at Cornerback
By Josh Pickett
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With Free Agency written in hieroglyphics and the completion of the NFL Draft the Miami Dolphins still need help at Cornerback.
More from Dolphins News
- Tua Tagovailoa practicing with teammates is everything a leader does
- 4 offensive tackles Miami Dolphins could draft at 51
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This is the Dolphins complete roster at Corner right now – Byron Maxwell, Xavien Howard, Ifo Ekpre-Olomu, Bobby McCain, Chimdi Chekwa, Tony Lippett, Tyler Patmon and Jordan Lucas.
The first thing that jumps out is there are some pretty difficult names to read on that list. After that what stands out is Byron Maxwell is the only player with any noteworthy starting experience. He is the “old guy” at 28 years old and 6 years experience in the NFL. The Dolphins second most experienced corner? Chimdi Chekwa who has 4 years in the league. If you read that and thought “Chimdi who?” you’re not alone.
Byron Maxwell has accrued 31 starts since his arrival into the league while the total amount of starts with all the other corners on the roster combined is 10 total starts.
Everyone has to start somewhere right? But when an entire position group is starting from scratch at the same time it will undoubtedly lead to another season filled with growing pains and headaches on Sundays. If not addressed it will lead to another agonizing season.
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- Miami Dolphins have a starting point with Wilkins after Simmons deal
I am always in favor of trading a rough day today, for a better day tomorrow but with the current talent the Miami Dolphins have at Corner I’m not so sure we aren’t just trading a rough day today for plenty more rough tomorrows.
Adding Byron Maxwell was a great addition for this team and he is a better player then most people give him credit for. The main reason for that is he hasn’t lived up to his contract but he is a good player and will continue to be for the Dolphins. But we can’t just say we got better by adding Maxwell because we lost a really good player in Brent Grimes.
But after Maxwell who will start outside? Most would assume Xavien Howard. Not because his tape says he should but because of the process of elimination. He may not be ready to start day one but Adam Gase is certainly hoping he will be. Here is what Gase had to say about the Dolphins situation at Corner.
"(On the depth of the cornerback position) – “I think at that position, you can never have enough. I know right now it’s probably an area that a lot of people are looking at that we need to improve on, and we probably need to add some depth. We’ll keep looking. It’s not an easy position to find.” – Adam Gase"
Below is a link to more of Adam Gase’s thoughts about his team.
Whether or not Howard is or is not ready to play isn’t even the most concerning thing about this secondary. The scariest thing is who is in line after Howard? It’s a fill in the blank question where you can’t give a wrong answer. Your guess is as good as any. Miami has made it a priority to add size to the defensive backfield so will the team be ok with Bobby McCain (5’9, 195) or still a rookie due to injury Ifo Ekpre-Olomu (5’9, 194) competing for the slot position?
Football could hardly be a more physical sport and injuries are for certain so who would be relied on to step up when one of the starters go down?
So not only are there concerns at starter but even more concerning issues with depth. Tannenbaum and Co. will definitely address this before training camp starts and I expect Miami to call in some mercenary support for this team. Maybe in the form of 6’0, 200 frame with a 4.4, 4.5 – 40 speed and a player willing to take a 1-2 year contract with little money guaranteed.
Players who fit the profile – Leon Hall, Cortez Allen, Chris Culliver and Cary Williams. (I am not saying they are the best options, just that they fit the Dolphins new prototype requirements) Hopefully Miami can bring in a couple more player who are a little less green to raise the competition, play meaningful snaps and be a good insurance policy in case of injury.
If not, this secondary might cause Coach Gase to be more pass happy and predictable then he would like to be and cause Dolphins fans to relive shades of the “Queasy Joe” days.