10 defensive players the Miami Dolphins could target in round 2
By Tom Like
Cornerback
In a league that spends the majority of its time in nickel and dime packages, you can never have too many quality corners in today’s NFL. Byron Maxwell was a nice acquisition in a trade with Philadelphia, while Xavien Howard flashed the potential to be a long, physical press corner who Miami could rely on in years to come. Tony Lippett played well, however, he may be more suited to a nickel corner. The Dolphins need to add quality corners as while Miami’s secondary performed well at times last season – they need consistent contributors who can lock up WRs and allow their pass rushers to pin back their ears.
Teez Tabor – Florida
His performance at Indianapolis and his Pro-Day will most likely drop him out of 1st Round. Tabor was part of a dynamic Corner group that included 1st Rounders Vernon Hargreaves (2016, 11th overall) and Quincy Wilson (2017, most likely R1). He has prototypical size and athleticism who excels in press and zone coverage. While rumoured Tabor fears deep speed, this showed up at the Combine and Gators pro-day as he ran a 4.6 – 4.7. Like Jarvis Landry, the Dolphins could get a talented player who other teams pass up due to a slow 40. I believe Tabor could excel in Miami’s Cover-3 scheme.
Sidney Jones, Washington
Should be a top-15 pick. He has the talent to challenge Malik Hooker as the top Corner in this year’s draft, yet an injury at his Pro-Day (torn Achilles) could allow Miami to grab a stud corner in Round Two. Jones could develop into a lock-down No.1 corner with his twichy feet, excellent eyes and toughness at the line of scrimmage. Jones loves handing out contact at the line and his 9 career interceptions speak volumes of his ball skills and ability to locate the football. If not for the injury, which will require an extensive rehab process, Jones would be a lock to go top-20.
Kevin King, Washington
He was Jones’ partner at Washington and has rare height for the position. King posted an eye-popping 4.43 40, which does not show up on the tape. He struggles in press, however, his size and the athleticism suggest that his inability to locate the football down field and stop receivers blowing past him at the line, could be corrected with some coaching. Some team is going to fall in love with King and his size.
Fabian Moreau, UCLA
Like every other Corner on this list is 6’0”+. Moreau is a former RB who has a thick frame to compliment his speed (ran a 4.35!). He’s a rare athlete who excels jamming receivers at the line of scrimmage and showed he can excel in press man and Cover-3. He is big and strong with fluid hips in coverage, Moreau could be a sleeper who is not getting enough attention draft. Miami could even gamble as Moreau might still be there at the end of the 3rd with their compensatory pick.