How Dolphins Turned Defensive Strength Into Big Weakness originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Miami head into training camp with a glaring weakness that could derail playoff hopes. While Tua Tagovailoa leads one of the NFL’s most explosive offenses, featuring speedsters Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle, the secondary has quietly gone from a strength to a serious concern.
A blockbuster trade sent Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers in exchange for Minkah Fitzpatrick, leaving the depth chart exposed. Kader Kohou, a fourth-year veteran, now finds himself in the CB1 role for the first time in his career. Next to him is Storm Duck, an undrafted rookie last year who, somehow, is now one of the more experienced options.
Relying on unproven talent becomes even riskier given the gauntlet of quarterbacks on this year’s schedule—Josh Allen, Joe Burrow, Justin Herbert, Lamar Jackson, and Jayden Daniels are all set to test Miami’s patchwork coverage unit.
General manager Chris Grier has publicly challenged former second-round pick Cam Smith to seize one of the open jobs. But Smith’s development has stalled, and doubts remain about whether he’s ready for meaningful snaps. Rookie Jason Marshall Jr., a fifth-round pick, adds depth but lacks the polish to contribute immediately.
Fitzpatrick’s return offers some relief. The five-time Pro Bowler brings leadership and range on the back end, rejoining the team that drafted him in 2018. Still, not even his presence can fully cover up the glaring issues at corner.
Miami’s aggressive offensive identity leaves little margin for error. Defensive stops, especially late in games, will be non-negotiable.
Against AFC East rivals featuring prolific passing attacks, the Dolphins cannot afford weekly shootouts. While none of them are of Ramsey’s quality, the Dolphins were comfortable enough to fast-track a future without him.
Training camp will determine whether this calculated risk pays dividends or becomes a season-defining disaster.
Related: Dolphins Could Go After Former First-Round Pick Following Surprise Release
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 25, 2025, where it first appeared.