Training Camp Positional Preview: Cornerbacks

[PhinPhan in MA]

With training camp fast approaching, I have written a piece analyzing the current cornerback depth on the team, and what we can expect from the unit this coming season as well as which individuals will make the team. The article also discusses which roster spots will be under competition during training camp.

Check out that article here.

Here's an excerpt:

I'm going to start my positional previews on the defensive side of the ball because that unit is far more stable than the offense is at this point. First up are the cornerbacks.

What to expect: The defense is Miami's best asset, but if it has a weakness, it is the secondary and the cornerbacks in particular. Miami's group of CBs lacks a true shut-down No. 1-caliber player, and the depth at the position includes significantly more questions than answers. The ability of the unit to hold up against opposing aerial attacks, and especially Miami's AFC East divisional rivals, is going to be tested early and often. Let's just take the AFC East as an example of the challenges that await this group. The AFC East is jam-packed with lightning-quick receivers. The Jets have Laveranues Coles, the Bills boast Lee Evans, and the Patriots are endowed with the duo of Randy Moss and Donte' Stallworth.

....

Here's a closer look at the individual cornerbacks currently on the roster and what can be expected of them this coming season:

Will Allen
Will is the closest guy the team has to a true No. 1 corner, but he falls significantly short of being a shut-down player. His best assets are his blazing speed and his strong support against the run. Unfortunately, his weaknesses in coverage are constantly at risk of being exposed since he is matched up against the opposing team's best receiver every week and he simply doesn't have the ability of a Champ Bailey to shut out the best receivers all the time. According to the Miami Herald, Allen had 80 passes thrown against him last season and 49 of them (61.2%) resulted in a completion or defensive pass interference. That percentage ranked Allen 73rd out of 93 CBs in NFL last season. Oh, and he's hardly a threat to make a big-play by forcing a turnover. It's not all bad, however. Allen is definitely the best CB on the team and his support in stopping the run is invaluable. He just needs to work on limiting the underneath passes and positioning himself to make a couple plays in the secondary.

Check out that article and let me know who you think is going to make the team out of the current crop of CBs.

 

[#1dolphinsfan]

i hope will can step it up

 

[Regan21286]

When your leader in interceptions on the team is a DE (not a knock on JT's mad skills), you know the secondary has issues. Will Allen at best is a #2 or #3 corner. No way should he be the top corner on any team. Sure, he can help stop the run, but I think ZT and our solid DL can take care of most things. Daniels is likewise a #2 corner at best. He's not physically gifted though. Goodman's fine as a #2 corner and fits it well though he is injured. The real wild-card is Jason Allen, whether he can play the role of a #1, meaning he can shut down WR's and make plays. He can do it but who knows if he will. This unit is a far cry from the mighty duo of Surtain and Madison.

I think it'll be

Will Allen
Travis Daniels
Andre Goodman
Jason Allen
Shirdonya Mitchell
Geoffrey Pope (practice squad, though if he really improves, he could beat out anyone from Mitchell up to Allen. But if our WR's struggle against speedy guys like Santana Moss, etc, look for Pope to get some time)

 

[Van-Island Fins]

good breakdown Thanks :)

 

[Aussiefinfan54]

good analysis, i fully agree, i sure hope that goodman is healthy for the start of the season to start opposite will allen.

 

[PhinFan0202]

Our secondary is the worst part of our defense. It's like our O-line on offense because it's the one thing everyone is questioning before the season starts.