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There are reasons why, as Joe Philbin might say, we’re queasy about the Dolphins. Cornerback and run defense top the list.
But at least on Sunday they welcome back a second-round rookie who coaches say will need to play a lot ASAP, after missing training camp (knee surgery) before being activated from PUP on Thursday.
There’s much to like about Xavien Howard --- his size (6-1), ball skills (nine picks and 23 pass breakups the past two seasons at Baylor) and physicality. He made a fantastic interception off Ryan Tannehill in minicamp that amazed even Adam Gase. There also are two concerns:
• At Baylor, besides allowing seven touchdowns in 2014, Howard the past two years was beaten several times on deep balls that weren’t caught, for whatever reason.
Concerns about Howard’s speed were eased after he ran a 4.41 in the 40 before the draft, but draft analyst Tony Pauline said “you have to protect him in a deep coverage” with safety help.
“He’ll lose feel for receivers at the break point,” CBS draft analyst Lance Zierlein said. “Quicker than fast with questionable long speed. Handsy and panics when he thinks he might get beat.”
• Howard had 14 pass interference and five holding penalties the past two seasons. "I need to chill out with a lot of penalties I had in college,” he said.
Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said many cornerbacks have “one redeeming quality. It could be size but not movement, but [Howard has] both. He’s a 6-foot guy with a 5-foot-10 corner’s movement skills. That’s special.”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper, by phone, said Howard “had some games with his size and physicality, that he looked like a guy who could be a shutdown corner. But there were times he wouldn’t turn properly or had an eye on the ball and couldn’t make the play. On talent, he’s a top 15 pick. He just didn’t play to that talent on a week to week basis. If they can round off rough edges, he can be a hell of a value in the second round.”
The Dolphins better hope so. With Chris Culliver working back slowly from knee surgery (could miss six regular-season games), Howard or Tony Lippett figures to start opposite Byron Maxwell Sept. 11 at Seattle. The Dolphins would love if Howard can seize the job.
Lippett didn't play well Friday, as Nat Moore noted on the broadcast.
And Howard will begin this week behind Lippett on the depth chart released Sunday. Howard said he will practice Sunday but won't play Thursday against Atlanta.
“From college to the NFL, my game is going to improve with Vance Joseph getting me ready to be an NFL cornerback,” Howard assured me earlier this summer.
CHATTER
• With this draft class, Laremy Tunsil, Howard and Jakeem Grant should help immediately. The one variable is running back Kenyan Drake, who’s fifth on the depth chart and sidelined with a hamstring (his ninth injury in the past five years).
Though he caused 44 missed tackles last season on 142 offensive touches at Alabama, it seems less likely he beats out Damien Williams (or Isaiah Pead, if he sticks) for playing time as the No. 3 back early in the season.
• The Dolphins gave Grant just one snap on offense against Dallas, opting instead to play other receivers. He remained the primary returner, of course.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/spor...mpwilliams-marlins-um-more-richt-changes.html
But at least on Sunday they welcome back a second-round rookie who coaches say will need to play a lot ASAP, after missing training camp (knee surgery) before being activated from PUP on Thursday.
There’s much to like about Xavien Howard --- his size (6-1), ball skills (nine picks and 23 pass breakups the past two seasons at Baylor) and physicality. He made a fantastic interception off Ryan Tannehill in minicamp that amazed even Adam Gase. There also are two concerns:
• At Baylor, besides allowing seven touchdowns in 2014, Howard the past two years was beaten several times on deep balls that weren’t caught, for whatever reason.
Concerns about Howard’s speed were eased after he ran a 4.41 in the 40 before the draft, but draft analyst Tony Pauline said “you have to protect him in a deep coverage” with safety help.
“He’ll lose feel for receivers at the break point,” CBS draft analyst Lance Zierlein said. “Quicker than fast with questionable long speed. Handsy and panics when he thinks he might get beat.”
• Howard had 14 pass interference and five holding penalties the past two seasons. "I need to chill out with a lot of penalties I had in college,” he said.
Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said many cornerbacks have “one redeeming quality. It could be size but not movement, but [Howard has] both. He’s a 6-foot guy with a 5-foot-10 corner’s movement skills. That’s special.”
ESPN’s Mel Kiper, by phone, said Howard “had some games with his size and physicality, that he looked like a guy who could be a shutdown corner. But there were times he wouldn’t turn properly or had an eye on the ball and couldn’t make the play. On talent, he’s a top 15 pick. He just didn’t play to that talent on a week to week basis. If they can round off rough edges, he can be a hell of a value in the second round.”
The Dolphins better hope so. With Chris Culliver working back slowly from knee surgery (could miss six regular-season games), Howard or Tony Lippett figures to start opposite Byron Maxwell Sept. 11 at Seattle. The Dolphins would love if Howard can seize the job.
Lippett didn't play well Friday, as Nat Moore noted on the broadcast.
And Howard will begin this week behind Lippett on the depth chart released Sunday. Howard said he will practice Sunday but won't play Thursday against Atlanta.
“From college to the NFL, my game is going to improve with Vance Joseph getting me ready to be an NFL cornerback,” Howard assured me earlier this summer.
CHATTER
• With this draft class, Laremy Tunsil, Howard and Jakeem Grant should help immediately. The one variable is running back Kenyan Drake, who’s fifth on the depth chart and sidelined with a hamstring (his ninth injury in the past five years).
Though he caused 44 missed tackles last season on 142 offensive touches at Alabama, it seems less likely he beats out Damien Williams (or Isaiah Pead, if he sticks) for playing time as the No. 3 back early in the season.
• The Dolphins gave Grant just one snap on offense against Dallas, opting instead to play other receivers. He remained the primary returner, of course.
http://miamiherald.typepad.com/spor...mpwilliams-marlins-um-more-richt-changes.html
