Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Miami Dolphins: 3 players whose stock has gone up

By Jeremy Klump

Aug 14, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Salvon Ahmed (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 14, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Miami Dolphins running back Salvon Ahmed (26) celebrates after scoring a touchdown against the Chicago Bears during the second quarter at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jon Durr-USA TODAY Sports /
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Miami Dolphins
MIAMI GARDENS, FLORIDA – AUGUST 07: Defensive Back Nik Needham #40 of the Miami Dolphins attempts to break a pass thrown to Wide Receiver Allen Hurns #8 during Training Camp at Baptist Health Training Complex on August 07, 2021 in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Mark Brown/Getty Images) /

CB Nik Needham

Miami Dolphins cornerback Nik Needham has been a pleasant surprise for the Miami Dolphins. Needham has started 17 games for the Dolphins over the last two seasons, but he has really found his groove in Year 3.

Needham has been a constant bright spot during training camp, and his dominant play carried over to the first preseason game. When there was a pass that was broken up, it was most likely Needham who had the lockdown coverage.

He was all over the field, and he looked like he should have a significant role for the Dolphins this season.

According to Pro Football Focus’ Ryan Smith, Needham was the highest-rated player for the Dolphins in Week 1 of the preseason among players that played double-digit snaps. According to Smith, Needham earned an impressive 90.0 overall grade on 30 snaps (23 coverage) and was credited for two pass break-ups on four targets. The other two targets were caught but only went for a total of 15 yards.

Second-year cornerback Noah Igbinoghene also showed some promise in the game, but Needham showed he is ahead of him right now.

Needham showed that he will be a player Dolphins fans can count on, and it will be interesting to see how much he plays in 2021.

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