All in all, last season was not bad for the Miami Dolphins, as they made the playoffs for the first time in years. However, it wasn’t a perfect campaign, and aside from the injuries to Tua Tagovailoa, the biggest question mark with the Dolphins is the secondary.
Will the Miami Dolphins Secondary Show Up In 2023?
Much of the poor play of the secondary last year was due to injury. However, there were instances of players not performing up to their potential. Xavien Howard looked like he had lost a step. Fans were excited to see the acquisition of Jalen Ramsey this season. Unfortunately, Ramsey will miss significant portion of the season after suffering a training camp injury. Additionally, stalwart and depth player Nik Needham is also out with a torn Achilles.
To fill the void left by Ramsey until he can return, the Dolphins signed veteran cornerback Eli Apple. Aside from the three aforementioned players above it is important to take a look at the Dolphins depth chart to get an idea of what this year’s iteration looks like and the potential of what they could be.
Strong Safety
Brandon Jones
A third-round pick of the Dolphins in the 2020 NFL Draft, Jones returns as the starting strong safety on the Dolphins depth chart. In his three seasons with Miami, Jones has 190 tackles and eight sacks. He has also forced three fumbles, and recovered two. Jones has also had five passes defensed, and one interception.
DeShon Elliott
A sixth-round pick of the Baltimore Ravens, Elliott enters his first season with the aqua and orange with a total of 205 tackles. Elliot is credited with 3.5 sacks. He also has 10 passes defensed, two interceptions, three forced fumbles, and a fumble recovery during his time with the Ravens and the Detroit Lions.
Free Safety
Jevon Holland
What a steal the Dolphins got when they took Jevon Holland in the second round (36th overall) In the 2021 NFL Draft. In two professional seasons, Holland has amassed 133 tackles and four sacks. Holland has also forced the fumble and recovered three. He has also intercepted four passes and defensed another 15. Aside from Ramsey, Holland may be the next-best player in the Dolphins secondary.
Verone McKinley III
One of two undrafted rookie free agents who saw an unexpected amount of playing time last season, McKinley put up some decent numbers. He had nine tackles, one pass defensed and an interception. McKinley should see a fair amount of playing time this year and we’ll look to build on his statistics.
Elijah Campbell
Though he will not see playing time this week, Campbell will likely see most of his playing time on special teams. He does have three tackles, in parts of three seasons with the New York Jets and Miami Dolphins.
Cornerback
Kader Kohou
The hidden gem the Dolphins got last year as an undrafted free agent is back for his sophomore season. In 2022, Kader Kohou saw significant playing time. He had 72 tackles, a forced fumble, 10 passes defensed and an interception. Kohou is looking to solidify why he is number one at left cornerback for those who may still be skeptical.
Kelvin Joseph
A new face in the Dolphins secondary, Kelvin Joseph is hoping a change of scenery will help him become the player the Cowboys envisioned when they drafted him in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft. In his two seasons in Dallas, Joseph totaled 36 tackles. He also added a forced fumble, and recovered another, while also defending against four passes.
Cam Smith
The Dolphins second-round pick in this past year’s NFL draft, Cam Smith looks to make an impact and demonstrate why he was second-team All-SEC while at the University of South Carolina.
Parry Nickerson
Nickerson is a well-traveled NFL veteran. Since being drafted in the sixth round in 2018 by the New York Jets, Nickerson has spent time with the Seahawks, Packers, Jaguars, and Vikings. He has 28 tackles and has defended against one pass in his NFL career. Nickerson will no doubt bring depth to the Dolphins special teams.
Justin Bethel
Since being drafted in the sixth round of the 2012 NFL Draft, Bethel has made 248 tackles in his NFL career. While primarily known as a special teamer, Bethel has also seen action on the defense. He has forced five fumbles, recovered eight, defensed 22 passes, has had five interceptions, and has scored three defensive touchdowns. He is a two-time first-team All-Pro and a three-time Pro Bowl selection, all while a member of the Arizona Cardinals.
On paper, the Miami Dolphins have a mix of talented veterans and exciting young players in their secondary. For the Dolphins to go further than the first round of the playoffs, each of these players must play up to their full potential and stay healthy if the Dolphins are to be competitive and advance deep in the playoffs, this coming season.
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Main Photo: Sam Navorro – USA Today Sports
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