The Miami Dolphins secondary is looking mighty different these days. Between the return of a healthy Xavien Howard and the addition of Byron Jones to the mix, the Dolphins are going to have a drastically different coverage group when the 2020 season kicks off as compared to the one we last saw in December 2019. But with all that change does comes some questions. If the Dolphins choose to keep Bobby McCain as the team’s starting free safety, who else can the Dolphins call upon to play the nickel corner role?
Here are some of the prime candidates.
Dolphins’ Nik Needham
Cost: Nothing
Needham was one of the the “feel good” stories for the Dolphins in 2019. He entered camp as an undrafted free agent and, after struggling through the preseason, eventually worked his way into a starting role — and played well. But with Howard and Jones now in the building, Needham’s best case scenario feels like manning the nickel. His short area quickness would be well suited here — the question is if the Dolphins like his ceiling here.
Dolphins’ Bobby McCain
Cost: Drafting a free safety
The good news? The Dolphins know exactly what they’ve got in Bobby McCain at nickel — he held the position for several years before last year’s transition to safety. If the Dolphins land another option at free safety, the team could upgrade two spots at once.
Free agent Logan Ryan
Cost: $10M per season
The Dolphins were linked to Ryan ahead of the start of free agency but, barring a move on an expensive contract (and WR Albert Wilson is the only one left that can clear significant space), it is difficult to see the math working out at this point in the game for Ryan to come play in Miami. Ryan would like $10M per season on the open market — he hasn’t found a willing suitor yet.
If he’s able to come down off his price a bit, perhaps the Dolphins could lock him in and “trade” him for Albert Wilson.
Notre Dame’s Troy Pride Jr
Cost: 56th/70th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft
Pride Jr. is a quick footed cornerback who brings great ball skills and some inside/outside versatility. That added versatility will come in useful in the Dolphins’ defense — but the Dolphins must be willing to use one of their premiere picks on a cornerback in order to get him in the building. With other needs across the roster, that’s no guarantee.
UCLA’s Darnay Holmes
Cost: 56th/70th pick in the 2020 NFL Draft
Holmes is a bit more physical than Pride Jr., but he’s also been more erratic with his play. Holmes played through injury in 2019, so don’t mind some of the ugly tape. But he, like Pride Jr., will cost Miami a Day 2 pick to get him on the roster.