Miami Dolphins: The three biggest losers from Miami’s offseason

Nik Needham’s role threatened by a new crop of talent on the Miami Dolphins roster.

This move has been a couple of seasons in the making. Signed as an undrafted free agent in 2019, Nik Needham was thrust into the increasingly crucial role of nickel-corner. It was a tough season for him, allowing a 111.7 passer rating and 8 TDs. Last season he did see some statistical improvements, not allowing a 100-yard receiver or TD until week 17. Unfortunately, Needham allowed 3 TDs in week 17, where he got exposed by an athletically superior Isaiah McKensie. The image has stuck with fans, and the front office, apparently.

Last season Miami drafted Noah Igbinoghene (an outside corner in college) as Nik Needham’s replacement at nickel-corner. Defensive coaches never felt comfortable starting Igbinoghene in the envisioned new role. Following an injury to Byron Jones, they rolled him out on the outside corner. Needless to say, the results were horrid…horrid enough that he only saw 64 defensive snaps the rest of the season.

Grier and Flores went back to the well this past draft, again in search of Needham’s replacement. This time they settled on Javon Holland, who has collegiate experience playing in the nickel. He had 9 interceptions in two years at Oregon before redshirting last season. In the Day 2 draft recap press conference, Flores offered some effusive praise, “Jevon was one of, honestly, my favorite players to watch. Very versatile played inside, played safety, punt return…He’ll get an opportunity to earn a role on this team and I’m hopeful that he can fill multiple roles”

It may take time for Holland to get up to speed this season but it’s clear that Flores wants a guy with an athletic profile that can hang with the best slot receivers in the league. If he acclimates to the role, Needham will be relegated to a depth/special team position.