Latest news with #cornerbacks
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3 days ago
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1 surprising Miami Dolphins player who could make or break 2025 NFL season
The post 1 surprising Miami Dolphins player who could make or break 2025 NFL season appeared first on ClutchPoints. When many people look at the Miami Dolphins, they usually think about Tua Tagovailoa. Also, they think of wide receiver Tyreek Hill. But while Tagovailoa was a significant reason for the struggles in 2024, he is not the only player who can set the tone. The Dolphins' cornerbacks look new, especially after the trade of Jalen Ramsey to the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now, many eyes will be on this 2024 undrafted Dolphins' cornerback. Storm Duck has the potential to become the Dolphins' breakout player, and he will certainly get a larger opportunity. It was just one year ago that Miami signed Duck. Ultimately, he was available because none of the 31 other teams drafted him. Because of this, it opened up the chance for the Fins to snag Duck off the free agency list. Now, he is a starter heading into training camp, taking over for the departed Ramsey. With Jason Bradley Jr. covering the other side, Duck is part of a secondary that is very raw. While Fitzpatrick covers the middle of the field, he can't do it all alone. There is a major void where Ramsey used to play. Therefore, it means that Duck will have to sink or swim (pun intended). Miami's secondary is a major weakness after the loss of Ramsey. Currently, fans and football experts around the league believe the Dolphins' cornerbacks will struggle this season. Although the offense might bounce back, the defense may suffer if it cannot stop wide receivers from exploiting its coverage. There are very few expectations for Duck and the Dolphins' cornerbacks. Notably, many expect them to struggle against top receivers. After being just 10th in passing yards allowed, the Fins might struggle to replicate those numbers. That is where coaching comes in, and how Duck can emerge. This is a golden opportunity for Duck to become the Dolphins' breakout player and show the brass that he can be a solid replacement. Overall, expecting Duck to replicate what Ramsey did is a little too far-fetched right now. But if Duck can figure out coverages, schemes, and adjust to receivers, he will become a dependable cornerback. Duck does not have a good PFF rating with his small sample size. Regardless, a full offseason while practicing with the starters can only help him. Practicing against Tyreek Hill and Jaylen Waddle in practice can help Duck build confidence and learn a thing or two. It could also help him build toward becoming the Dolphins' breakout player. Storm Duck could become the Dolphins' breakout player Duck will get his first real opportunity in Week 1 against the Indianapolis Colts when he guards either Michael Pittman or Josh Downs. Additionally, he will get another golden chance in Week 4 against the New York Jets, when he potentially might guard Garrett Wilson. When Duck played at UNC in 2022, he led them in interceptions with three and pass breakups with nine. It earned him second-team All-ACC honors. When he started college, he secured a starting spot early as a freshman, demonstrating his ability to ascend quickly. Throughout his college career, he displayed great resiliency. Likewise, he showed an ability to make plays against the run. While no one drafted Duck, he earned a spot on the roster through sheer perseverance. In fact, his rapid rise to starter status is surprising. Although his starter's spot is not a guarantee, Duck can cement his status as a strong cornerback if he can take his game to the next level. There are some areas Duck can improve. For instance, he did not have many interceptions and did not record a single pick in his rookie season. Additionally, Duck did not give much pass-rushing disruption. He had a moderate impact as a pass rusher in college and at the NFL level. Duck has a big chance to make a name for himself. While many people don't know him as well as Tagovailoa, Hill, Waddle, or De'Von Achane, he can change the conversation with his play. Yes, the expectations are incredibly low. But if he can turn up his play and become an above-average cornerback, it can reduce the pressure on the offense. Duck has all the traits of a nickel or depth cornerback, so this new role might take adjustments. Overall, his solid route anticipation and reliable tackling have contributed to his success. One of the key areas he needs to improve is his press coverage techniques and ball-hawking abilities. One of the main traits of a good cornerback is his ability to disrupt the wide receiver at the line of scrimmage. If Duck can refine these techniques, he can become the Dolphins' breakout player who changes the narrative about the secondary. Related: The fatal flaw Miami Dolphins must address in training camp Related: Veteran Dolphins cornerback confirmed to have suffered season-ending torn ACL
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4 days ago
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Chiefs scouting report: Arizona State Sun Devils CB Keith Abney II
The Kansas City Chiefs face losing several cornerbacks through free agency next offseason, including Nazeeh Johnson, Jaylen Watson and Joshua Williams. Those three players contributed more than 1,450 defensive snaps across the regular and postseason in 2024. The Chiefs should prioritize adding at least one new cornerback early in the 2026 NFL draft. Steve Spagnuolo's defense features two quality coverage options in Kristian Fulton and All-Pro Trent McDuffie. McDuffie plays both outside and in the slot, but deploying full-time in the nickel draws out his full potential. That leaves a revolving door at the second outside cornerback position. Watson and third round rookie Nohl Williams should see the most snaps opposite of Fulton in 2025, but 2026 prospects like Arizona State's Keith Abney II offer a way to upgrade the position permanently. Abney is undersized at 5'11", 185 lbs., but his frame doesn't have a significant negative impact on his performance. He's a potential true lockdown cornerback thanks to twitchy footwork and exceptional instincts. Abney decelerates and breaks for routes at the same time as the wide receiver, allowing him to smother throwing lanes. Abney allows some separation over the middle of the field on posts and slants but recovers quickly to contest catches or close throwing lanes. He remains poised and doesn't bite on double moves, limiting the number of clean losses on his tape. Abney's speed isn't elite, but he doesn't suffer from significant issues in downfield coverage. His calm approach and masterful use of leverage limit opportunities for quarterbacks to test him downfield. He compresses outside releases along the sideline to eliminate the passing window and threatens to undercut inside releases. Abney also excels in zone coverage. His awareness of routes developing at different depths helps him recover to or sink under routes crossing into his zone downfield. He also knows when offenses try to disguise shorter routes with window dressing. Abney's processing speed and instincts make him a big-play threat in zone coverage. Abney fires downhill in run defense, but his size limits his ability to stack and deconstruct blocks. He has stretches of quality play as a tackler but occasionally defaults to throwing a shoulder instead of wrapping up the ball carrier. Abney projects as a top 40 prospect in the 2026 NFL draft and could secure a spot in the first round with a strong showing in 2025. This article originally appeared on Chiefs Wire: 2026 NFL draft scouting report: Arizona State CB Keith Abney II
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6 days ago
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There were 12 in the camp, and the Cowboys CBs said, who's healthy? So they rolled all out
The Cowboys could field a competitive secondary just with the cornerbacks who might not even be available to start the 2025 season. Injuries to Trevon Diggs, Josh Butler, and Shavon Revel Jr. leave Dallas with hard decisions, wanting to have enough to survive until those three are ready to perform. If none are, could the team add a free agent like Stephon Gilmore or Mike Hilton to bolster the unit? That's the biggest takeaway when looking at the position group, but it may not be the most important factor. DaRon Bland is an excellent starting piece to any secondary. A former All-Pro and the all-time Pick-6 King, Bland is the reason the team isn't eager to make a move at corner. He will play outside, mostly, but might need to slide inside to the nickel position when opponents boast great slot receivers. Kaiir Elam is the odds-on favorite to be the other outside corner. The Cowboys traded with the Buffalo Bills for the former first-round pick who started 12 games and played over 900 snaps in Buffalo, but wasn't a good fit. He brings his talents to Dallas for a second chance while coming off his best season, according to Pro Football Focus (PFF). He had his best grade in every area this year, with a 70.2 overall, 75.6 run defense, 76.6 pass rush, and 67 coverage grades. If this is his baseline, then perhaps the Cowboys have truly stolen a solid piece who simply took a while to adjust to the NFL. Caelen Carson quickly went from the next draft-day steal to the latest question mark. He started the first three weeks, showing much promise, but was then injured and wasn't the same player upon his midseason return. Carson is physical and would be the perfect slot corner in a Matt Eberflus defense, if he can rediscover those opening week talents. Israel Mukuamu hasn't seen many snaps since his playoff showcase against Tom Brady a few years back, rotating from safety to corner. He would be in the lead for CB7, dependent upon how the injured group's roster inclusion is managed. Kemon Hall, Andrew Booth Jr., Troy Pride Jr., Robert Rochell, and Bruce Harmon will battle for possibly the final spot and try to make an impression before the return of Revel Jr., Diggs, and Butler. Hall played 124 special-teams snaps for Dallas. Booth Jr. started two games last season and he ended up being benched. Pride Jr. made it to the team late and played solid football in his only start. Rochell is a newly- signed player and is a long shot, just like Undrafted Free Agent (UDFA) Bruce Harmon. You can find Mike Crum on Twitter @cdpiglet or Bluesky @ This article originally appeared on Cowboys Wire: 3 key injuries cloud Cowboys CB group as training camp begins
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22-07-2025
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2 Big questions for Travis Hunter, other Jacksonville Jaguars' CBs in training camp
The Jacksonville Jaguars' rookies and veterans have now both arrived for training camp, and the team's first practice will take place on July 23rd. So with training camp essentially here, we are taking a position-by-position look at the Jaguars' roster, specifically examining the one big question that faces each unit. Advertisement Up next are the cornerbacks. If you missed any of our other previews, you can find them below. How much time does Travis Hunter spend at cornerback during training camp practices? As was the plan from the start, the bulk of Hunter's practice time during offseason programs was at wide receiver. As GM James Gladstone said, the team views cornerback as his more natural position. But now the next step in Hunter's progression will be routinely practicing on both sides of the ball during the same practice. For most of OTAs and minicamp, Hunter was either playing offense or defense on a given day, and rarely both. Advertisement "That's definitely what we have to build towards for training camp, and then obviously in season, knowing that during practice, he's going to have to do both," Liam Coen said via ESPN. "He wants to do it. It's not as if it's something he can't handle. He wants to go and do that more. He wants more, and that's a good thing. But ultimately, we also have to protect him from himself at times as well, and make sure we get out of this phase healthy, but that is absolutely the plan moving forward." Now, how exactly the Jaguars plan to go about dividing up that playing time remains to be seen. Who earns the starting job opposite of Tyson Campbell? The starting cornerback role opposite of Tyson Campbell is up for grabs. According to ESPN's Michael DiRocco, Montaric Brown saw a lot of playing time with the first team defense during offseason programs. Advertisement "That's who he's been every day that I've been here," Anthony Campanile said of Brown's ball production. "And I can only go by what I see every day that I'm out here, he competes. He loves to compete. "Same thing like Tyson, whether it's on the line of scrimmage, he's not afraid to challenge people. To challenge people at the top of the route and play with technique, but whatever he's gotta do to strain and make the play, he's been doing that, which is awesome. That's what we've been preaching and he's doing that every day." Jarrian Jones, meanwhile, has taken some time to acclimate to Anthony Campanile's zone-heavy defensive scheme. And circling back to the first question, how increased playing time at cornerback for Hunter impacts the reps at that position this summer is an unknown right now. This article originally appeared on Jaguars Wire: Jaguars training camp: 2 Big questions for Travis Hunter, other CBs
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16-07-2025
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Washington Commanders training camp preview: Cornerbacks
Washington Commanders training camp kicks off next week when the veterans report. However, the 2025 rookie class is scheduled to report this week. Before camp opens, we here at Commanders Wire are previewing each unit before the players hit the field. We will begin our previews with the cornerbacks. Washington's cornerback room looks much different than it did one year ago at this time. Gone are failed former draft picks Emmanuel Forbes and Benjamin St-Juste. Since then, the Commanders have added Marshon Lattimore and Trey Amos. It's a better group overall. How much better? Advertisement Let's dive in. Coaching staff Defensive coordinator: Joe Whitt Jr. Defensive backs coach: Tommy Donatell Assistant defensive backs coach: William Gay Defensive pass game coordinator: Jason Simmons Senior defensive assistant: John Pagano The Commanders have several coaches in the secondary with various backgrounds. Gay and Simmons were standout NFL players, while Pagano is a longtime assistant and two-time NFL defensive coordinator. Donatell was previously the Chargers' secondary coach before coming to Washington. This group worked well together in 2024, as young players like Mike Sainristil and Quan Martin took a significant leap. Sainristil, a rookie last season, improved throughout the season despite being asked to play inside and outside. Starters Outside: Marshon Lattimore Outside: Trey Amos Nickel/slot: Mike Sainristil Lattimore and Sainristil are locked in as starters. Much of Amos's starting depends on when he gets signed and what type of camp he has. If he can get signed before camp and continue to impress the way he did in the spring, he will start Week 1. However, Sainristil proved he could start on the outside, which Washington could do in the interim. Or, veteran Jonathan Jones can start outside or inside. He's also versatile and reliable and will play a lot. Noah Igbinoghene returns and will be the No. 5 cornerback. He played a lot last season and excelled in the slot. Advertisement Depth and reserves Jonathan Jones Noah Igbinoghene Bobby Price Allan George Kevon Seymour Car'lin Vigers (R) Fentrell Cypress II (R) Seymour played a lot on special teams last season. He also got some time at cornerback. Price offers terrific size, but will battle George, Seymour, Vigers and Cypress for a spot. One of these players must stand out in the preseason if they expect to win a job. Washington will likely keep a cornerback or two on the practice squad. Outlook Much of this group's potential hinges on Lattimore's health. If the veteran four-time Pro Bowler can remain healthy and resemble his former self, Washington has a true No. 1 cornerback to challenge some of the NFL's top receivers, like NFC East studs A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb and Malik Nabers. If he battles injuries, Washington will be more able to cover for him this fall with the presence of Jones and Amos. The Commanders need Amos to win a starting job and never look back. Jones is a reliable veteran who will never back down from a challenge. He's also a feisty run defender. Advertisement Sainristil looks like a future star. He was excellent in the slot last season before moving outside. When he moved outside, he did an outstanding job against Philadelphia's receivers, Brown and DeVonta Smith. Washington would prefer to play him inside, where he could challenge as the NFL's top slot cornerback. Igbinoghene was a smart re-signing. He thrived in an expanded role in 2024. This is a solid group. Could one of the Commanders' UDFAs (Vigers and Cypress) challenge for a spot? They had a strong offseason, especially Vigers. This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders training camp preview: Cornerbacks
