DAVIE, Fla. -- If Week 1 of the regular season started today, the Miami Dolphins would have a glaring weakness for Pro Bowl quarterback Russell Wilson and the Seattle Seahawks to pick on.
Miami’s cornerback position is thin and inexperienced outside of veteran Byron Maxwell. This week the team is rotating Tony Lippett, a former college receiver, and Chimdi Chekwa with the first team. It would be easy to envision opponents throwing away from Maxwell and picking on the other corner and nickel spots.
But can rookie Xavien Howard save the day?
The Dolphins’ second-round pick had a strong spring and led the secondary in interceptions during organized team activities and minicamp, according to defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo. But a knee injury sidelined Howard and he’s expected back for the regular season.
Now, Howard is missing valuable practice time in what would have been his first training camp. Could Howard still save the day by starting in Week 1?
“Absolutely. He’s a second-round pick for a reason,” Dolphins defensive coordinator Vance Joseph said. “He’s talented. What we saw in the spring, that gave us hope that he could be a starter. But again, he hasn’t practiced yet. He hasn’t worked. Until he comes back, I won’t know that answer.”
With no one stepping up through the first week of training camp, the chances of Howard starting in Week 1 appear more likely, despite limited practice time.
Lippett is making strides compared to last year but still doesn’t look the part of a starting cornerback. The Dolphins decided to give Checkwa a look on the first team this week and he suffered an injury in Friday’s practice, which further impacted cornerback depth.
Miami traded up in the draft to land Howard, who has the prototypical size and speed the team is looking for. Howard is a press corner who also runs well and can make plays on the ball.
When healthy, Howard should be a solid complement to Maxwell to help round out the secondary.
“I know the trainers feel great about where he’s at right now,” Dolphins coach Adam Gase said of Howard. “It’s hard for me to say, ‘Hey he’s ahead of schedule.’ We’re still a little ways away but he’s done a great job. He’s around here all the time.”
