With All-Pro cornerback Jalen Ramsey missing from Miami Dolphins’ mandatory minicamp as trade discussions continue, the team‘s defensive backfield is relying on its young talent to step up. Wide receiver Jaylen Waddle, who faces these defenders daily in practice, has commended the cornerbacks for their strong performances during offseason sessions, highlighting their progress despite the veteran‘s absence.
Experience and New Additions Shape the Cornerback Group
Among the Dolphins’ cornerbacks, Kader Kohou stands as the only returning starter, having made nine starts last season. Fresh additions to the roster include Kendall Sheffield and Artie Burns, though both have not held full-time starting roles recently. Despite their relative inexperience, the cornerbacks have shown promising development in minicamp drills.
“I’m not going to lie to y’all, they are making it really tough on the receivers. They’re playing true to their technique. I think they’re doing a good job of taking what they do in individual [drills] to when we go into team [drills]. We’re going to need them to step up and be key for us. I’m happy that they are doing extremely good,”
Waddle said through ESPN.
Developing Talent Faces Opportunity for Larger Roles
Other young players contributing to the cornerback depth include Cam Smith and Ethan Bonner, both entering their third seasons but without starting experience. Isaiah Johnson recently moved up from the practice squad after his rookie year, and fifth-round draft pick Jason Marshall Jr. adds fresh talent to the group. At least one of these developing players is expected to assume an expanded role as Miami adjusts its secondary in the coming seasons.
“It’s just a bunch of young guys who are hungry,”
Johnson expressed to ESPN.
“We had some vets last year, we had some big names, and now just like the league is, there’s some turnover and you got some guys who are just ready to come and work every day. I think there’s no reason to question it because nothing’s been shown and there’s nothing to hate on right now. So everybody’s here ready to work, ready to show and earn their stripes and ready to earn the fans’ support.”
Transitioning the Secondary Amid Jalen Ramsey’s Departure
The Dolphins enjoyed a top-10 pass defense last season with Ramsey anchoring the secondary; however, that strength is now uncertain as he remains out of minicamp and trade talks proceed. Ramsey played 17 games last year, his second season with Miami following a torn meniscus that limited his debut campaign. Although under contract through 2028, both parties agreed to explore a trade just a year after inking a lucrative three-year, $72.3 million extension that made him the league’s highest-paid cornerback.
Despite being pivotal to the defense, Ramsey experienced a dip in key statistics during his age-30 season, missing the Pro Bowl for the first time since his rookie year and recording his fewest interceptions (two) since 2020. Nonetheless, he increased his total tackles to 60 and registered six tackles for loss, balancing some of the decline in takeaways.
The Future of Miami’s Defensive Backfield
As the Miami Dolphins move into a new era at cornerback without Jalen Ramsey’s presence, the responsibility shifts to a younger, less experienced group to maintain the team’s reputation for strong pass defense. Jaylen Waddle’s praise of their minicamp efforts signals encouragement for fans and the organization alike, emphasizing the hunger and dedication within this evolving squad. The Dolphins’ defensive effectiveness will hinge on how well these players can step into more prominent roles throughout the upcoming season and beyond.