Dolphins secondary could be one of NFL’s best in 2023

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New Miami Dolphins CB Jalen Ramsey answers questions from the media at the Baptist Health Training Complex on Thursday March 16, 2023. (Mike Stocker, Mike Stocker / South Florida Sun)

By Tribune News Service | Tribune News Service

PUBLISHED: April 18, 2023 at 6:42 a.m.

The Miami Dolphins addressed an area of concern in a big way early this offseason, and now, their troublesome secondary from 2022 could transform into one of the NFL’s best in 2023.

That’s the impact that acquiring star cornerback Jalen Ramsey, coupled with the addition of highly coveted defensive coordinator Vic Fangio, can do.

Ramsey himself said the unit has that kind of potential after landing in Miami via trade from the Los Angeles Rams, who received a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long in the deal.

“I believe so,” Ramsey said when asked if the Dolphins could have the league’s top secondary. “That’s just the type of energy I bring. That’s the confidence that I always have. On paper, this is the best group that I’ve been a part of. And I feel like I’ve been a part of some good groups in Jacksonville and also in L.A. But on paper, I feel like this is the best one.”

Ramsey brings his six Pro Bowls, three All-Pros and 19 career interceptions to Miami, where he will be paired opposite of Xavien Howard, a four-time Pro Bowler in his own right who’s looking for a rebound season in 2023. Safety Jevon Holland could unlock his Pro Bowl potential in Year 3 in the NFL. At the other safety, Brandon Jones and free-agent acquisition DeShon Elliott can compete for playing time, and competition will also be present at the nickel cornerback slot, between Nik Needham and Kader Kohou.

The quality and depth the Dolphins seem to have at defensive back makes it seem unlikely the team will target the position with either of their Day 2 picks in next week’s draft, which runs from April 27-29.

Miami needed a makeover in the secondary after it finished the 2022 regular season 30th in takeaways, 27th in pass defense, 24th in scoring defense and third-down defense and 18th in total defense.

Ramsey, in a similar defensive scheme under Fangio to what he played with the Rams, could play all over the defensive backfield in the “star” role. Fangio figures to utilize a variety of zone coverages, including two-high looks, quarters coverage and Cover 6.

Maybe dropping into zones can keep Howard’s legs fresh throughout the season while allowing the ballhawk to keep his eyes on the quarterback more often. Howard struggled in man coverage in 2022 as he battled through persistent groin ailments.

Fangio has a track record of coaching Pro Bowl safeties, and that could work to Holland’s benefit in a potential leap for the 2021 second-round pick.

Jones and Needham are returning from season-ending injuries — knee and Achilles, respectively. Jones may need to make an adjustment from the in-the-box, blitzing style he played under previous defensive coordinator Josh Boyer, but Elliott brings another option if needed. Needham gets another shot this season while Kohou stepped up as an undrafted rookie last year, much like Needham in 2019. That experience, thrown into the fire for 13 starts, could catapult him into a big sophomore season.

Also at cornerback, the Dolphins return Keion Crossen, Justin Bethel and Noah Igbinoghene. Crossen and Bethel are key special teamers who can play defensive snaps if called upon. Igbinoghene, the 2020 first-round pick who has struggled in three NFL seasons, picked up his first career interception last season, sealing the Week 7 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers on “Sunday Night Football.”

Miami also has safety Verone McKinley back after seeing playing time as an undrafted rookie in 2022. Elijah Campbell, another contributor on special teams, is a versatile defensive back that can play safety or cornerback.

Cornerback Trill Williams, after making the Dolphins’ active roster as an undrafted rookie in 2021, is back after a torn ACL last preseason cost him a pivotal second professional campaign. Fellow cornerback Tino Ellis will also compete for a roster spot throughout organized team activities, minicamp and training camp.