2016 Dolphins Cornerback Preview
By Jack Scharr
The Miami Dolphins are excited about the work they have put into their secondary this offseason. Miami’s success on defense will hinge on the corners ability to cover long enough for Miami’s pass rush to get there.
The Dolphins have made an overhaul this offseason to fix the terrible secondary of last season. With the addition’s of Byron Maxwell and Xavien Howard and the development of players like Tony Lippett and Bobby McCain the Dolphins expect to be much improved. The question after these players will be who will provide quality depth at the corner position. The Dolphins have brought in a number of players who will compete throughout Training Camp to be those players.
Chimdi Chekwa
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Chimed Chekwa has been a veteran with five years NFL experience. He has spent his time playing with the Oakland Raiders mostly as a reserve or developmental player. The most playing time he has seen was the last two years, and even then his production wasn’t great. He may be able to make the roster, but don’t expect much from him beyond that.
Tyler Patmon
Tyler Patmon is another veteran with an opportunity to make a splash in Miami. He has three years experience as a reserve cornerback for the Dallas Cowboys. Last season Patmon returned an interception for a touchdown against the Dolphins in the preseason. Although Patmon isn’t expected to win a starting spot, he would provide good depth for the Dolphins.
Throughout this offseason Patmon has shown his ability and stood out amongst the second tier of corners. He will be the man to beat to make the roster.
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu
Ifo Ekpre-Olomu is an interesting prospect. He was a first round talent last year coming out of Oregon, but a major injury to his knee dropped him to the seventh round. He was drafted by the Cleveland Browns and spent last season rehabbing and recovering, but the Browns decided he wasn’t worth the wait this offseason. If he can return to his form from college Ekpre-Olomu could be a competitor for the nickel corner spot.
Right now he is still showing the Dolphins that his football career isn’t over. If he can’t return to his college form quickly he could be a roster casualty at the end of Training Camp. I’m hoping this waiver wire pickup can be the diamond in the rough that the Dolphins need.
Lafayette Pitts
Pitts will be a longshot for the Miami Dolphins roster. He was a four year starter with Pittsburgh and had a fantastic freshman season, although his production never lived up to the hype his next three years. Pitts will have to out perform two veterans who have NFL experience and show his worth in other areas as well. The best opportunity for Pitts will be to perform in the special teams unit.
Pitts showed ability in the return game during his time at Pitt. He will have to show that again if he wants to guarantee a roster spot this offseason.