Training Camp Preview Part 11: Cornerbacks

It was pretty obvious that the corners were this defenses biggest weakness last season. Despite the below average play from this group, the Dolphins defense still finished in the top 10 in several categories.

Yes, some of that may have to do with the weak schedule, with the defense going up against some of the worst offenses in the league week after week. It was clear though that even when this defense was playing well, it could never reach elite status until the secondary had major upgrades.

You could see it even on that long stretch when they did not give up a touchdown for like three straight weeks. Teams were able to move the ball on Miami, but once they got in the red zone and could not throw the deep ball the corners where less exposed.

This group was exposed the most when teams went to a spread offense. The Chiefs and Patriots both played this type of offense against the phins and it was almost like they only had 8 or 9 defenders on the field. They had absolutely no answer for it.

It's tough to say how good the Dolphins defense is because at times they were great and at other times it looked like they were just submitting to opposing offenses. The huge inconsistency has to be pointed all at this group.

If you think back at the times the defense was not very good they were always getting dissected by the opposing quarterback. Whether it was Kurt Warner, Matt Cassel, Matt Schaubb, or Tyler Thigpen the Dolphins clearly could not match up with some of the better passing attacks of the league.

And if you look at it, that was four of the five loses and in the fifth loss Joe Flacco had one of his best performances as a rookie. So, it appears that the Dolphins are just consistent play out of the secondary away from being a contender.

Not that this is the only question mark on this team, and not saying that the Dolphins will win the Super Bowl if this group has a huge improvement. But, I think it is clear that, that won't even be a possibility until these corners become very good and consistent.

Projected Depth Chart

1. Will Allen: Had 3 picks last season and 50 tackles. It could be argued that he was the Dolphins best corner, even though Andre Goodman makes a case for that as well. Out of the guys expected to start he is the only one that is proven so he will have a huge responsibility. If the rookies struggle early on, how this unit produces will fall squarely on his shoulders. With Andre Goodman gone, if these rookies or even Eric Green don't perform well, Will Allen is going to have to become a pro-bowl, shutdown corner if this group has any hope.

2. Vontae Davis: With what is at stake, the Dolphins are banking a lot of the present and future on Davis and Smith. He has the skill set to be a very good corner in this league though. He is a very strong physical corner, which can be seen with his 25 bench press reps, and should be able to smother even bigger receivers in press coverage. He compliments his strength with very good speed for a physical guy. He ran a 4.4 at his pro day, giving him all the credentials to be a future shutdown corner in this league, but with the Dolphins predicament hopefully he can achieve that role sooner rather than later.

3. Sean Smith: Is very tall for a corner at 6'3 and should match up well against some of the tall receivers that the AFC East has to offer. He does not have the typical body for a corner, but with his 4.47 40 he is fast enough to play the position. Why wouldn't you want his height with all of the fade routes and jump balls offenses throw nowadays. You would think that the competition he played against might have yielded to some of the success he had in college, but he was outstanding against big time colleges like Alabama and Michigan last season.

4. Eric Green: Was brought over from Arizona in free-agency and was looked to be a downgrade from Andre Goodman, until the Dolphins did what they did in the draft. If the rookies develop well and contribute this season Green will be a pretty nice pickup giving the Dolphins some quality depth. But if not, he will be a downgrade from last years starter. He only has two picks in his career and struggled last season even though he says he was playing hurt all year.

5. Jason Allen: It is hard to believe that Allen was a former first round pick, but then again it was in the Nick Satan era. Allen has struggled throughout his career and has been back and fourth between safety and cornerback and has never really found a home. He has been a special teams standout, sharing the lead for special teams tackles last year. The only problem is, you usually don't draft guys in the first round for special teams.

6. Nathan Jones: Made some really nice plays for the Dolphins in nickel and dime situations. Led all defensive backs with 3 sacks and had a pick. Those sacks were huge for Miami, as if I remember correctly, came at times when they really needed a stop.

7. Joey Thomas: The four year veteran played in six games for the Dolphins last season and the only thing statistical he contributed was 4 tackles.

8. Ethan Kilmer: The former 7th round pick has spent his first three seasons in Cincinnati. Had a decent 2006 season with 19 tackles and a interception but has since just contributed on special teams.

9. Will Billingsley: I love this guy because he is from my hometown in Fort Wayne. Seems like a lot of Fort Wayne guys end up playing for the Dolphins. Lamar Smith ring any bells? However he was just a practice squad guy last year and will likely be the same this season. Fort Wayne loves you though Will.

Position Battles: Sean Smith could push Vontae Davis for the other starting spot. This is unlikely because physically he is the better corner, but anything can happen with these rookies. Any of them could be dear in the headlights in their first season. But we should all hope Davis is the starter because really he is the only guy that has shutdown corner potential. Really the rookie who is the three will have to compete with Eric Green for that spot as well. Green was not brought here to be the long term solution, but his experience could grant him a big role especially if one of the rookies struggle.

Roster Spot Battles: The bottom three or four guys are all capable of being cut and will be competing for a spot on special teams or the practice squad during camp.

inside linebacker and safety previews @ http://miamidolphinnation.blogspot.com/