Former first-round CB could also be on his means out of Miami

With all of the changes, there’s an opportunity that Miami might have labored themselves right into a state of affairs by which a former first-round decide doesn’t make the 53-man roster on the finish of the summer season. In response to Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald, barring damage to his teammates, Igbinoghene might discover himself to be the odd man out come last roster cuts.

Ramsey and Xavien Howard are no-brainers to make the roster, as is the rookie prime decide, Smith, seemingly. Ramsey is available in as a three-time first-team All-Professional and a six-time Professional Bowler. Over his seven-year profession, Ramsey has began in each sport by which he’s made an look however one, and that one was his debut with the Rams 5 days after being traded from Jacksonville. Howard is a former first-team All-Professional and four-time Professional Bowl choice, as properly. He’s twice led the league in interceptions over his seven-year profession.

Smith was a three-year starter for the Gamecocks and had expertise outdoors and within the slot in Columbia. In response to one other report by Jackson, the Dolphins at the moment have Smith specializing in enjoying on the skin whereas making an attempt to chop down on penalties. His versatility and talent to play within the slot, although, is some extent towards Igbinoghene, who was drafted to begin within the slot.

After that, Kader Kohou and Keion Crossen might have earned their spots after stepping up in substitute of the injured Igbinoghene and Needham final yr. As an undrafted rookie final yr out of Texas A&M – Commerce, Kohou ended the season as Miami’s top-ranked cornerback, in keeping with Professional Soccer Focus (subscription required). He began 13 video games for the Dolphins, showing simply over half the time within the slot. Crossen was a dependable damage substitute who contributes strongly on particular groups, as properly.

Of the returning injured pair, Needham has proven extra in his wholesome time than Igbinoghene and has had extra wholesome time. Needham recorded two interceptions in every of his first three seasons within the league earlier than lacking 11 video games as a result of damage final yr. He was tabbed because the starter reverse Howard when Jones was anticipated to be out for the yr. Miami re-signed him to a one-year deal this offseason after inserting a second-round restricted free agent tender on him.

Igbinoghene struggled to remain wholesome in his sophomore season, as properly, lacking 10 video games. It wouldn’t reward the Dolphins a lot financially to waive the fourth-year participant, whose fifth-year choice was declined earlier this month. In response to OvertheCap.com, the Dolphins would solely acquire about $536K in cap house whereas leaving about $3.04M on the desk in lifeless cash, irrespective of once they waive him.

Many have been a bit stunned by way of a first-round decide on Igbinoghene to start with. Three years later, and he hasn’t accomplished a lot to encourage confidence in enjoying as much as his draft inventory. Solely showing in 32 video games out of a doable 50, and making 5 begins, Igbinoghene has a profession 29 whole tackles, 5 passes defensed, and one interception. His damage historical past has contributed to the dearth of manufacturing, however Igbinoghene has struggled to take advantage of the alternatives he’s been given.

Regardless, the Dolphins have a logjam forming on the cornerback place. Particular groups contributions will assist Crossen and veteran particular teamer Justin Bethel maintain on to roster spots, whereas Ramsey, Howard, Smith, Kohou, and Needham are all anticipated to remain on the group. That alone could be seven roster spots devoted to the cornerback place. Igbinoghene might want to have a powerful offseason so as to show he’s nonetheless worthy of a roster spot come August.