Entering into the first days of Miami Dolphins training camp this upcoming week, Dolphins head coach Brian Flores would likely tell you that every position on the roster is open to be won. But financially speaking and from a team development perspective, there are just some things that we can’t see going in a different direction than the assumed starter.
Which is which defensively? Here are the defensive positions for the Dolphins and each spot in the starting lineup’s most likely status as either open, closed or in between:
Defensive Ends: Closed
Consider Miami in a base front — with three down linemen on the field. You know exactly who you’re going to get at defensive end; Christian Wilkins and likely Emmanuel Ogbah. Zach Sieler may make an appearance depending on personnel and the weekly opponent, but consider Wilkins and Ogbah, your two most highly invested players at the position, to be the ones taking up the starting roles.
Nose Tackle: Closed
Last we checked, 2020 rookie Raekwon Davis had a monstrous finish to the season. And, given how well he played and the well-established memes of Brian Flores reacting to Davis being a pick in 2020, we’re willing to bet this job is considered open and shut.
Rush Linebackers: Somewhat open
Look for 1st-round draft choice Jaelan Phillips to make a big impact here, particularly on 3rd downs. Opposite of him, we expect to see plenty of Andrew Van Ginkel screaming off the edge. But will Phillips command a full-time role right away? Will a returning Vince Biegel have anything to say about who is getting reps here in the early downs?
There’s enough questions here to consider one of these starting jobs somewhat open; although expect Phillips to be the guy on 3rd down regardless.
Inside/Stack Linebackers: Closed
The Dolphins just paid Jerome Baker a hefty extension and brought in veteran Benardrick McKinney this offseason; that duo does not appear to have much competition for the starting roles. Given the pay of both players, you’d expect that, too.
Perimeter Cornerbacks: Closed(?)
Speaking of hefty pay, Miami still has Xavien Howard and Byron Jones under contract as one of the most expensive cornerback duos in all of football. And they may get even more expensive depending on what Xavien Howard’s situation brings.
Alternatively, we may also get a trade of Howard to another team — which would open the spot opposite Jones for plenty of competition between Jason McCourty, Noah Igbinoghene and others.
Nickel back: Wide Open
How open can you possibly be? Think of the most open you’ve ever seen anything in your life. This spot is more open than that. There may actually be a picture of this spot on the Dolphins’ depth chart in the dictionary next to the word ‘open’.
Nik Needham. Noah Igbinoghene. Justin Coleman. Cre’Von LeBlanc. Miami will have no shortage of options. And this doesn’t even get into when Miami plays ‘big nickel’ with three safeties on the field, either.
Free Safety: Somewhat open
This job is Jevon Holland’s to lose. It is pretty telling that the Dolphins cut Bobby McCain after Holland was secured and the reports out of South Florida indicate Miami is quite pleased with Holland’s early glimpses of football intelligence. He’ll still need to apply that to the field and shut the door on any other option, however. And we know well that this regime won’t give rookies handouts if they’re not earned.
Strong Safety: Closed
Eric Rowe is one of the better tight end coverage options at safety in the league. He’s done well over the last year and a half in that role. Brandon Jones has something to offer here, too — but we expect Rowe, as one of the team leaders and experienced veterans, to maintain his hold on the starting job.