A not-so-fantastical vision for the Miami Dolphins‘ defense in 2024:
A four- or even five-cornerback alignment in obvious passing downs — with Jevon Holland and Jordan Poyer protecting the deep third.
New defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver has the personnel to do it — and if the situation warrants, probably will.
Miami Dolphins’ 2024 Outlook in Secondary
Position flexibility is king in Weaver’s defense, and it applies to all three levels.
But nowhere will he feel as empowered as in the defensive backfield, particularly after adding veteran Kendall Fuller on a two-year free agent deal worth a reported $16.5 million.
Fuller, like Jalen Ramsey, Kader Kohou, and Nik Needham, can and will play multiple positions.
This means that the days of Ramsey handling one side of the field while a teammate handles the other ended when Vic Fangio’s time with the Dolphins did.
Expect both Fuller and Ramsey to get snaps at boundary and slot this fall.
They can also lend a hand at safety in a pinch, as can Needham. Kohou bounced around a lot due to injuries last fall.
In fact, the only Dolphins cornerback expected to get significant snaps this fall who hasn’t (yet) shown the ability to play both the boundary and slot is Cam Smith.
“I always loved corner,” Fuller said on Monday, who was signed away from the Washington Commanders in free agency. “Going into my contract year that year, my second contract, I wanted to move back outside. I felt like I had a lot to show. Things that I could do and offer on the outside.
“But at the end of the day, I’ve always enjoyed just being a football player, being able to line up in different positions and do a lot of different things. I think it makes the game a little bit more fun just to be able to change it up and do different things, not just doing or having one responsibility year in and year out. So I definitely enjoy playing either one.
“Even in Kansas City a little bit, I played some safety. I think I definitely had that motivation just to show I could be a top guy outside but also could play all over the field.”
Ramsey has a similar skill set and mindset. It was no secret that he felt like Fangio wasn’t creative enough with the talent the Dolphins had this year.
Weaver seems determined to right that wrong.
KEEP READING: NFL Defense Rankings
“You talk about prototype corners, [Ramsey] is that,” he said last month. “Size, length, speed, competitiveness. The thing about him is I think he is your ultimate chess piece. So to have him just sit outside and be a field corner or boundary corner or something like that is a detriment to him.
“We got to find ways to move him around where he can be most impactful. We’re committed to doing that.”
Miss football? The 2024 NFL Draft is almost here, boss. Pro Football Network has you covered with everything from team draft needs to the Top 100 prospects available. Plus, fire up PFN’s Mock Draft Simulator to put yourself in the general manager’s seat and make all the calls!
