Name humor aside, both of those guys can definitely be starters this year, but neither is guaranteed even a chance to start really.
We have a very real need at starting boundary CB opposite Howard, and the Patriot's multiple-front system tends to play 1 more DB than we played last year, so that means even with last year's guys all healthy and returning there's 2 spots up for grabs … and we all know the Dolphins never stay healthy. So the opportunity is very clearly there. Cordrea Tankersley has the ability to be a very good press-man CB … but he needs to stop being lazy and work at it like Howard has. Also, he needs to rebuild his confidence, and that only happens by doing the work and getting the positive reinforcement of winning those battles consistently. Ultimately, it's up to him … he's been lazy so far, and for him to succeed, that needs to change.
Caradine is in a different spot. He's a role player, but we're going to use a lot of different looks, need lots of different skillsets, and we're undermanned at DT as well. To start these guys need to be healthy and learn the systems quickly. If Caradine does that, yes, he can start. If he isn't any faster learning the systems than Vincent Taylor or Devon Godchaux, then Caradine probably doesn't start. Regardless, Caradine will get plenty of playing time, because we'll need to rotate DL and definitely have injuries.
