Miami Dolphins training camp preview: Underdog cornerbacks

The Miami Dolphins hope their youthful corners will develop into contributors.

Nate Brooks

Bio

At North Texas, Brooks made 93 tackles and 10 interceptions.  He went undrafted in 2019 but signed with the Arizona Cardinals.  He was waived before the start of the season and signed to the New England Patriots practice squad in September.

When injuries hit the secondary, it was unsurprising (given Flores’ Patriots roots) that the Dolphins signed Brooks off the Patriots practice squad in December.  Brooks would be called upon to play in three games (with two starts) but finished with only 11 tackles and two passes defended.

Expectations for 2020

Barring a terrible training camp or injury, it’s hard to fathom that Brooks won’t make the roster.  Under the ‘veteran cap benefit’ provision of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement, Brooks will make $495,000 but will only count $87,353 against the cap. (per overthecap.com).  That gives Brooks a ‘leg up’ on the other bubble players he will be competing with.

That said, barring a repeat of injuries on defense, it’s hard to fathom Brooks will see much playing time on defense.  His success will be judged on how he performs on special teams.