Noah find himself fighting for a spot in a deep and talented group
The Miami Dolphins drafted cornerback Noah Igbinoghene in the 2020 Draft with the 30th pick in the 1st Round. Since then, Noah has struggled to even find consistent play in special teams. Now, he did have a huge interception against the Steelers last season, but that’s been the sum of his career highlights up until this point. The resigning of Justin Bethel and trade for Jalen Ramsey makes Noah’s job to make the 53 a steep uphill battle.
Can Noah with the help of Vic Fangio finally figure it out and make the team? Will his draft status again guarantee him a roster spot? Or will Noah’s time run out in South Florida?
Noah is a great kid, but, so far, a poor cornerback
Noah comes from Olympic athlete parents and was considered a good pick for Miami by most draftniks, so his struggles to find his way was a pretty big surprise. His production has been dismal over the course of three seasons. The fact that Miami didn’t pick up his 5th Year option says plenty and his situation, but the kid’s story isn’t done yet. Vic Fangio is one of the best and if there is any way coaching can get him better, Fangio is the guy to do it.
The big problem for Noah is the cornerback group is deep this season for the Dolphins. This great news for the Phins and their fans, but not great news for Noah. You can bet with the best pay per head that even decent growth by the kid might be too little too late!
The Phins have these five players locked to the 53 already barring injury… and Noah isn’t one of them.
- Ramsey #1
- Howard #2
- Kohou #3
- Needham #4
- Crossen (ST Ace) #5
This leaves one spot for the 53-man roster for Bethel, Ellis, Williams, and Noah to fight for. Bethel played pretty well last year and has more bright spots in one season than Noah has had in three. Also, Trill Williams was playing some inspired ball before his injury. That 6th spot won’t be had easily.
What happens with Noah will speak volumes
If Noah with the help of Fangio can get his game good enough to stick, it will be a homerun for the kid and the franchise. If the kid just can’t cut it and gets released, then at least the Phins are all about competition and what’s best for the team… and that’s a win for Miami too!
But, if Noah’s play doesn’t earn him the spot and he makes the roster anyway, then that would be an ugly sign for what this team is really about. It would mean more of the same where competition takes a back seat to draft status. I don’t like that scenario one bit!
The great news is that the Dolphins organization has two ways to win in this storyline.
Sadly, for Noah, he really only has one way.
Let’s hope for Noah and the Phins to both get the win by the kid turning it on and playing his best football as a pro this Training Camp! Go Phins!!!