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Tag: Miami Dolphins Cornerback Needs

  • Could This Cornerback Be the Dolphins Answer to Replacing Jalen Ramsey?

    Could This Cornerback Be the Dolphins Answer to Replacing Jalen Ramsey?

    The Miami Dolphins are at a crossroads with their secondary after they parted ways with All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey. No trade is imminent but they’ve already started looking for replacements for Ramsey’s void. One name that’s emerged as a possible solution? Free-agent cornerback Rasul Douglas.

    Who Is Rasul Douglas?

    Rasul Douglas isn’t a household name for most NFL fans but his journey through the league is one of grit and grind. A 3rd round pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, Douglas spent most of his early career bouncing around between teams like the Carolina Panthers, Las Vegas Raiders, Houston Texans and Arizona Cardinals. At times he was even on practice squads fighting for a chance to prove himself.

    His big break came when the Green Bay Packers signed him off the Cardinals’ practice squad. Over two seasons (2022-23), Douglas shined in Green Bay, 9 interceptions and opponents under 62% completion rate in 33 starts. He earned a spot with the Buffalo Bills in 2024 and continued to show his playmaking ability, albeit with some inconsistency.

    Douglas’ 2024 Ups and Downs

    Douglas had some bright moments with the Bills, but 2024 was not his year. According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed 518 receiving yards and 5 touchdowns in 15 starts. Opposing QBs had a 122.0 passer rating when targeting him (career worst).

    Much of this can be attributed to Douglas’ aggressive play. He’s a “gambler” in coverage and will take risks to intercept passes, which sometimes leaves him vulnerable to big plays. This high risk high reward approach has been his career long and he’s both a playmaker and a liability at times.

    Why Douglas fits in Miami

    Despite his struggles last year, Douglas could be an interesting option for the Dolphins. With Ramsey on his way out, the cornerback room is currently Kader Kohou, Storm Duck, and Sam Smith, all relatively inexperienced players. Douglas would bring a veteran presence to the group and stability as the team moves on from Ramsey.

    If signed, Douglas would likely step into a starting role. His physicality and ball hawking skills would fit the Dolphins‘ scheme especially, if they plan to continue to be aggressive. Plus, his experience in multiple systems makes him a versatile option who can adapt quickly to new surroundings.

    The Big Picture: Rebuilding the Secondary

    Replacing Jalen Ramsey won’t be easy, but the Dolphins are committed to rebuilding their secondary this offseason. Beyond free agents like Douglas, they may also address the position in the upcoming draft. But signing a proven commodity like Douglas gives them a head start on stabilizing their defense.

    Douglas’ leadership and experience will also help younger players like Kohou and Duck develop into reliable players down the line. For a team that wants to compete in a tough AFC East division having, a veteran in the room can make all the difference.

    Will Douglas Be Enough?

    Rasul Douglas is intriguing, but there are questions about if he can replace what Ramsey brought to the table. Ramsey’s athleticism, consistency, and shutdown ability make him one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL. Douglas is a gamble not just in terms of performance but also in terms of durability and reliability.

    But Douglas’ familiarity with zone heavy schemes and his ability to make big plays can be an asset for the Dolphins. Whether he’s a long term solution or just a stopgap remains to be seen, but he’ll definitely help ease the pain of losing Ramsey.

  • Dolphins Add Cornerback with Two Strong Seasons Under His Belt

    Dolphins Add Cornerback with Two Strong Seasons Under His Belt

    The Miami Dolphins are leaving no stone unturned in their pursuit of secondary help. On Wednesday, the final day NFL teams could host draft prospects at their facilities, the Dolphins brought in Oklahoma State cornerback Korie Black to their Miami Gardens headquarters. 6-foot tall from Waco, Texas, Black is a guy who has gotten scouts’ attention with his size, speed, and production on the field.

    Black’s resume is impressive. Last season, he had 3 interceptions, and opposing QBs had a 77.2 passer rating when targeting his coverage. According to Pro Football Focus, Black allowed 16 receptions in 2023, 3rd best among all FBS cornerbacks with 350+ coverage snaps. Over 5 seasons with the Cowboys, he had 100 tackles, 4 interceptions, 21 passes defended, and 4 forced fumbles in 61 games. His 4.35 40-yard dash at the pro day was big too—one of only 2 6-foot corners in this draft class to run that fast.

    Why Korie Black Could Be a Sleeper Pick for the Dolphins?

    The 33rd Team, a football analytics outlet, called Korie a sleeper pick for the Dolphins. Big, fast, happy, and experienced, they wrote. Not invited to the NFL Combine, Korie is a sleeper pick for the Dolphins. He’s a personal favourite of mine. He’s a battle tested corner who excels in man coverage and can contribute right away as a rookie and still has room to grow.

    In 2024, Korie led the Big 12 with 12 total pass breakups and interceptions. He was asked to cover elite receivers without help at Oklahoma State. At 22 years old, Korie has a rare combination of experience (over 2,300 snaps) and upside.

    Many analysts have Korie going on early Day 3 – maybe the 4th round – but his value could make him a steal for teams who take a chance. For the Dolphins, whose corner depth is a concern, Korie is a low risk high reward pick.

    Dolphins’ Cornerback Depth in Question Amid Jalen Ramsey Trade Talks

    The Dolphins are interested in young cornerbacks like Korie Black as they continue to discuss trading Jalen Ramsey. If Ramsey leaves, Miami will be severely lacking in experience in the secondary. No Dolphins cornerback on the roster has more than three years in the league, with Kader Kohou entering his fourth year.

    GM Chris Grier addressed the situation recently. “Kader Kohou will have to step up for us, and I’m very confident he will,” Grier said. “When he’s healthy, he’s a competitive tough player. But it’s not just him – it’s Cam Smith, Storm Duck, and others who need to elevate their game.”

    Grier mentioned Cam Smith, “He’s got to stay healthy and be on the field. He’s shown flashes, but this is a big year for him.” The message is clear: the Dolphins need internal growth and external help in the secondary.

    Chris Grier on Tyreek Hill: Trust the Leadership Despite Off-Field Issues

    With questions about leadership in the locker room, Chris Grier addressed the concerns about Tyreek Hill. Hill has been under scrutiny for off-field incidents the past two years and was recently involved in another incident with law enforcement at his Sunny Isles condo. But no charges were filed.

    When asked if the organization still views Hill as a captain and leader, Grier said yes. “I would say because we’re around him when he’s in the building and see how he works and interacts with his teammates,” Grier said. “They voted him captain, which says a lot about how they view him.”

    Grier separated personal life from on-field performance. “People deal with stuff in their personal life and I leave that to them to handle until it gets to a point where we have to talk about it,” he said. “All I can do is judge him for when he’s here and what he does on the field. And so far, we’ve seen nothing but commitment and leadership.”

    Hill’s wife, Keeta Vaccaro, filed for divorce last week, adding another layer to his off-field story. But Grier still trusts him.

  • Dolphins Add Draft Cornerback Prospect with Ideal Size and Length

    Dolphins Add Draft Cornerback Prospect with Ideal Size and Length

    The Miami Dolphins are leaving no stone unturned in their search for cornerbacks. On Monday, they brought in UCF’s BJ Adams for a pre-draft visit, according to a UCF source. At 6-2 with length, Adams is the type of corner the Dolphins are looking to add to their roster.

    BJ Adams: A Big Corner with Size, Length and Upside

    Adams showed his stuff at UCF where he had 2 INTs last season, including one he returned for a TD. But his season was cut short when he missed 3 games with a back injury. Overall, he has 11 pass breakups, 88 tackles (5 for loss) and consistent coverage over 4 seasons.

    His 40 time of 4.53 isn’t elite but his size and physicality make him an interesting prospect. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has him going in the 4th or 5th round. Zierlein likes his press-man skills saying he can reroute receivers and disrupt routes with a well timed jab.

    “He’s got the size and wingspan for press,” Zierlein wrote. “He triggers forward from off-man coverage with good bend and burst, and his recovery acceleration helps him close on route separation.”

    Adams himself says, “I got that dawg in me, and I’m not going to back down from anyone I’m going against.”

    Versatility on Display: From High School to College

    Before UCF, Adams was a versatile athlete at Arabia Mountain High School in Lithonia, Georgia. He played cornerback, free safety, quarterback, running back, and wide receiver, showing his athleticism and football IQ. That versatility could be an asset at the next level, especially for a team like the Dolphins that values flexibility.

    Why the Dolphins Are Interested?

    The Dolphins have been thorough in their draft prep under general manager Chris Grier. While they don’t disclose the details of their visits, bringing Adams to Miami Gardens means they want to get to know him better. These visits often include medical examination and interviews to see how a player fits into the organization.

    Adams isn’t the only one visiting the Dolphins this week. Washington State receiver Kyle Williams was in town on Sunday, one of 30 non-local visitors the team is allowed to bring in.

    Others who visited earlier in April include Texas A&M defensive tackle Shemar Turner, Rutgers defensive tackle Kyonte Hamilton, South Carolina safety Nick Emmanwori, Penn State safety Kevin Winston Jr., and Texas defensive tackle Alfred Collins—a potential target for Miami’s second-round pick at No. 48.

    The Dolphins’ Draft Plan

    Under Grier, the Dolphins have drafted players who’ve taken pre-draft visits to their facility, but these visits aren’t always a guarantee of a selection. Sometimes they just want to get more info or do medicals.

    For Adams, this is an opportunity to make a good impression on the Dolphins’ brass. His size, length and competitiveness fits what Miami’s defense looks for in the secondary.

  • How the Dolphins Can Solve Their Cornerback Problem in the 2025 NFL Draft

    How the Dolphins Can Solve Their Cornerback Problem in the 2025 NFL Draft

    The Dolphins entered the offseason with a big hole at cornerback and so far Chris Grier hasn’t filled it. That’s weird since Grier is always saying “you can never have enough cornerbacks”. They released 2024 starter Kendall Fuller and haven’t signed a clear replacement for Jalen Ramsey or even solidified the nickel corner spot where Kader Kohou could move up to boundary corner if needed.

    Right now the cornerback depth chart is thin. Cam Smith, Storm Duck, Isaiah Johnson, Ryan Cooper Jr., Jason Maitre and Ethan Bonner are the only corners on the roster and none of them have proven themselves as starters. With the remaining free agent class lacking quality options it’s looking more and more like the Dolphins will have to draft a cornerback in the first three rounds on April 22-24.

    Top Cornerback Prospects the Dolphins Could Target

    Michigan’s Will Johnson

    Will Johnson is one of the top boundary cornerbacks in this draft—unless you count Colorado’s Travis Hunter who’s also a wide receiver. But durability is a concern after he missed the second half of last season with a toe injury and had a hamstring issue earlier this spring.

    Johnson has great ball skills, 3 INTs for TDs in his college career. In 6 starts last season he allowed 0 TDs and a 52.6 passer rating in coverage (16-26 for 195 yards). ESPN’s Mel Kiper has him 10th overall but mocks him at 16, after Miami’s pick at 13.

    NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein likes Johnson’s size, fluidity and instincts and says he’s a future Pro Bowler. But recovery speed might be a concern for some teams. If he falls to 13, he’d be a nice get for the Dolphins.

    Texas’ Jahdae Barron

    Barron has been rising up draft boards after his 2024 season. At 5-11, he’s played over 600 snaps inside and outside the last two years and over 600 snaps at both slot and boundary corner.

    Last year, Barron had 5 INTs, 0 TDs and 7.7 yards per catch on 37 catches against 68 targets. His 4.39 40-yard dash at the combine shows he’s got the speed to play perimeter corner opposite Ramsey.

    Draft projections for Barron vary wildly with Daniel Jeremiah at 11 and Mel Kiper at 24. If Miami trades down a little—maybe to 16 as Chad Reuter suggests—Barron would be the pick.

    Kentucky’s Maxwell Hairston

    Hairston ran the fastest 40-yard dash (4.28) at the combine. At 5-11, his speed and ball-hawking ability is interesting.

    Despite missing time with a nagging shoulder injury last year, Hairston didn’t allow a TD in coverage and had 6 INTs the last two years. But his completions were chunk plays, 21.8 yards per catch.

    Kiper has Hairston at 29 and Jeremiah at 23. If Miami stays put or trades back a little, Hairston could be a boundary or nickel corner right away.

    FSU’s Azareye’h Thomas

    Thomas is 6-1½ and showed consistent coverage skills last year with a 50.2 passer rating against. He allowed 17 completions on 33 targets for 141 yards (8.3 per catch).

    He doesn’t have big INT numbers (2 in 3 years) but his pass breakups (19 at FSU) show his playmaking ability. ESPN’s Jordan Reid calls him the best press-man corner in the draft despite being only 20 years old.If they trade down to 13.

    Notre Dame’s Benjamin Morrison

    Morrison’s stock took a hit after he missed the last 10 games of the season with a hip injury. But he has 9 career interceptions and sticky coverage skills so he’s a late Day 1 or early Day 2 option.

    ESPN’s Mike Tannenbaum says Morrison has the technical skills but coverage is inconsistent. A zone heavy scheme like Miami’s could mask those weaknesses and let his ball skills shine.

    Reid mocks Morrison at 42, just ahead of Miami’s 2nd round pick. If he’s there he’s a developmental starter.

    Mississippi’s Trey Amos

    Amos is a divisive prospect, with evaluators split on where he goes in the draft. 6-1, he had 15 pass breakups (2nd in the FBS last year) and 3 INTs.

    His athleticism was confirmed at the combine where he ran a 4.43 40. While his run support needs work, his length and physicality makes him a strong outside starter.

    Jeremiah has him at 26, Reid has him at 57. Depending on how the board falls, Amos could be a great value pick for Miami.

    Other Options

    Iowa State’s Darien Porter

    6-3, Porter has rare size and athleticism at the position. Only started one season at corner but the upside is there.

    East Carolina’s Shavon Revel Jr.

    Before he tore his ACL in September, Revel was a late 1st round pick. His length and zone vision makes him a Day 2 pick.

    Louisville’s Quincy Riley & California’s Nohl Williams

    Both have intriguing traits but come with questions. Riley’s zone inconsistency and Williams’ run support struggles could push them to the 3rd round where Miami has a comp pick at 98.

  • Stefon Diggs to Patriots Forces Dolphins Into Obvious Next Move

    Stefon Diggs to Patriots Forces Dolphins Into Obvious Next Move

    The AFC East just got a whole lot more interesting with the New England Patriots signing Pro Bowl receiver Stefon Diggs. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Diggs got a 3 year deal for up to 69 million, 26 million guaranteed. His return to the division—where he previously tormented defenses as a Buffalo Bill—adds another layer of fun to an already loaded AFC East.

    For the Miami Dolphins, this means they need to address their cornerback situation ASAP. With Diggs now on a division rival, GM Chris Grier is under the gun to find a starting corner who can hold their own opposite Jalen Ramsey.

    Diggs Returns to the AFC East: A New Challenge for Miami

    Stefon Diggs was once the most feared receiver in the NFL, big play and clutch. But his time with the Buffalo Bills was the start of the decline that led to his departure. After a season with the Houston Texans last year, he suffered a season ending knee injury and now questions about his current form.

    Despite all that, Diggs is still a weapon on the field. His presence alone demands attention from the defense, he’s a valuable asset to any team. For the Patriots, who have gone through a lot of changes this offseason Diggs is a big piece of the puzzle to get out of the AFC East basement.

    But integrating Diggs into the Patriots system will take time. They’ve made a lot of big moves, but it’s unclear if they’ll have it all clicking by 2025.

    Dolphins Cornerback Crisis: Who Steps Up?

    With Diggs joining the Patriots, the Dolphins’ secondary issues are even more pronounced. Miami needs a reliable starting cornerback to go with Jalen Ramsey. Unfortunately the current options are a mess.

    Storm Duck and Cam Smith: Not Ready for Prime Time

    Storm Duck showed flashes as an undrafted rookie last year but he’s far from ready to handle boundary duties full time. Cam Smith a 2nd round pick 2 years ago has yet to make an impact. Despite being given opportunities he has yet to live up to his draft status.

    Artie Burns: A Solid Addition But Questions Remain

    The Dolphins did sign former 1st round pick Artie Burns this offseason which adds competition to the cornerback room. But Burns has battled injuries his whole career and has never played a full season. While his experience is valuable relying on him as a long term solution is a risk.

    Miami’s Options Moving Forward

    Now that Diggs is in the division, the Dolphins can’t wait any longer to address their cornerback situation. Here are two options:

    1. Free Agency

    Veteran cornerback Asante Samuel Jr. is still unsigned and would be a great fit for Miami. He’s a ball-hawker and physical player who would bring stability and leadership to the secondary. He’d take pressure off Ramsey and help contain Diggs.

    2. Draft a Cornerback

    If the Dolphins want to build through the draft, they need to take a top corner in the early rounds. This year’s draft has several prospects who can play right away. Pairing a rookie with Ramsey would lock up the unit for years to come.

    Why the Clock Is Ticking for Chris Grier?

    Dolphins GM Chris Grier has to get this right. With Josh Allen and the Bills in the division, the Patriots’ new offense with Diggs and the always-hazardous Jets, Miami can’t fall behind. Without a second cornerback they can trust, they’ll get exposed every time they face a top passing attack.

    The Patriots signing Diggs is a clear message: they’re all in to get out of the AFC East basement. If the Dolphins don’t respond in kind, they’ll be left behind in what’s going to be one of the toughest divisions in football.