Phins 2025 Corners Will Be Brilliant or a Disaster!

If Ramsey is indeed traded, the Phins pass defenders starters will mostly ‘young no names’

The Miami Dolphins are entering the 2025 NFL season with a significant shift in their defensive strategy, particularly in the secondary. With the impending trade of seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the Dolphins are poised to rely heavily on a young and relatively unproven group of cornerbacks. This transition marks a departure from the team’s previous approach of investing in high-profile veterans and signals a new era focused on developing emerging talent.

Barring some big Free Agent signing or trade for a star, UDFA’s, late round picks, and guys picked off the Free Agent scrap heap will man the 2025 secondary. If this somehow works out well, defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver should be called a Weaver the ‘miracle worker’. Last season, Weaver did an amazing job with many missing pieces, but can he do it again this season with all these ‘no names’ to defend the pass?

I’m nervous about our pass defenders, but…

Ramsey’s potential departure, which is a forgone conclusion, is part of a broader roster overhaul aimed at infusing youth and financial flexibility into the team. The Dolphins have also seen the exit of talented, but oft injured veteran cornerback Kendall Fuller, further emphasizing the need for fresh talent in the secondary.

In the absence of established stars, the Dolphins are turning to a cadre of young defensive backs to fill the void.

Kader Kohou is the only true veteran cornerback (outside of Burns) and has had an up and down career. I like what Kader brings, but will he play like 2022 and end of last year ‘Kader’ or the ‘Kader’ in between who struggled? His play will certainly be massive toward this unit’s success.
Cam Smith, a second-year cornerback and the team’s top pick in the 2023 NFL Draft, is expected to step into a starting role. Smith has been injured more than he’s played and hasn’t looked good when he’s been in.
Jason Marshall Jr., a fifth-round selection in the 2025 NFL Draft, brings a combination of size and athleticism to the cornerback position.
Storm Duck is in his second year and had some moments in 2024 but still looked a way off from being ready.
Ethan Bonner was a popular player to be a gem in 2024, but he Strom Duck found more playing time than he did last year. Is this the season he blosooms?
Artie Burns is a veteran of who has played well in with very little reps and hasn’t seen stating reps since 2017.
Kendall Sheffield is a journeyman who has been a backend DB his whole career.
Jason Maitre, Isaiah Johnson, BJ Adams, & Ethan Robinson are all untested and long shots to make an impact, but each does offer some hope.

Can this be the Dolphins new ‘No Names’ or will they be ‘no coverage’?

The success of the Dolphins’ defense in 2025 will largely hinge on the development and performance of these young defensive backs. While the lack of star power presents a challenge, it also offers an opportunity for these players to establish themselves and redefine the identity of Miami’s secondary. The coaching staff’s ability to nurture this talent and integrate them into the defensive scheme will be critical in determining the team’s overall performance this season.

For better or worse, the Phins are embracing a youth movement in their secondary, entrusting a group of emerging players to carry the mantle left by departing veterans. You can bet with the best pay per head that the 2025 season will serve as a proving ground for these young defensive backs, whose growth and cohesion will be instrumental in shaping the team’s defensive prowess and playoff aspirations

Will this group end up a masterstroke or pipe dream of GM Chris Grier? Time will tell. Either way, Weaver should get a ton of credit or leeway however it shakes out. Go Phins!!!