Players the Miami Dolphins have failed: Who, why and what can be done
By Kevin Hood
Who
Noah Igbinoghene was a lockdown college corner at Auburn University. During the draft process, Head Coach Brian Flores went to Auburn and put the whole Auburn defense through a practice session. During which they fell in love with Noah.
His knack for covering elite draft-eligible SEC receivers made him a player on the rise before the 2020 NFL draft. His elite college tape but lack of spectacular athleticism and game-changing plays had most scouts view him as a 2nd or 3rd round selection. After Miami Already had Xavien Howard and Byron Jones under contract, Miami also decided to draft the Auburn product late in the first round.
Why
Noah has yet to be active every week. The corner depth on the Miami Dolphins is not great; it is unworldly. No team has more talent at corner than the Miami Dolphins. This overcrowded room is also the most expensive backfield in the league, with Byron Jones and Xavien Howard being in the top 5 at their positions for yearly cost.
Noah is the victim of the front office and Brian Flores getting too many players at one position. Byron Jones is guaranteed to play every week due to his overpriced salary. But his poor play is cause for him to be shown at least the bench.
Also, Miami this offseason brought in even more talent at corner, already having the reliable Nik Needham, and elite Xavien Howard Miami picked up nickel corner Justin Coleman and long-time starter Jason McCourty.
What can be done?
Miami needs to trade away or cut some of the players above Noah on the depth chart. Year two of the Byron Jones experiment is another failure; Justin Coleman seems to constantly beat. Addition, by subtraction is necessary.
When he was called up to play this year, he got beat on some plays, but he was right where he needed to be, in stride with his receiver. He needs what Miami has forced on Austin Jackson. Starting experience to learn how to affect the ball to limit completions and maybe generate turnovers.