Miami Dolphins defensive back Bobby McCain was in a new role in 2019 — the long-time cornerback had previously known like in the nickel as a sub-package corner before being pressed into an extended role on the outside in 2018. But free safety? That’s a whole different ball game, yet that’s exactly where McCain was tasked with playing during the 9 games he suited up for the Dolphins in 2019.
The results? Well, they were mixed. McCain did log two interceptions in 9 games, including a strong play on the ball to jump a Dak Prescott pass in Week 3 against the Cowboys. But the consistency, as one might expect, wasn’t where you’d like it to be either. McCain had issues (Buffalo) getting over to close the “honey hole” in Cover 2 and the Dolphins were gouged for a few big plays due to inexperience in splitting routes from McCain on the back end.
McCain will turn 27 years old this August and has three years of control under his current contract — he figures to be a Dolphin for a while. But is free safety the play? Or would the Dolphins be better off to fill that role with someone else and move McCain back to his experienced role in the slot?
A hard and fast answer isn’t easy to come by at this point in time. If the Dolphins were to see safety Xavier McKinney or Grant Delpit fall to them in April’s 2020 NFL Draft and Miami felt it was good value, then absolutely — back to the slot it is for McCain and the Dolphins can let Nik Needham compete with whatever free agent signings and rookies are brought in for the starting role opposite Xavien Howard.
But if the value of other positions trumps free safety, Miami would also be just fine to let McCain reclaim the job. He’s got the ball skills and transitional quickness to make a full-time role as a free safety work. And in Brian Flores’ exotic defensive scheme, McCain would still be moved around enough to take advantage of his cover skills in man.
It’s the ultimate luxury option. If a better player becomes available, the Dolphins can make a move and get better at two spots. If not, McCain would only benefit from more reps at safety and the Dolphins will still get better there with more experience anyway.
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