Defensive Backs: This is a unit that only returns one starter from last season, corner Travis Daniels, and even he isn't guaranteed a starting role depending on how the depth chart shakes out. Daniels and Will Allen figure to be the starters, with former Detroit Lion Andre Goodman and former Cleveland Browns Michael Lehan and Chris Thompson competing for the nickel and dime roles.
At safety, the starters look to be some combination of Jason Allen, Renaldo Hill, Deke Cooper, and Travares Tillman, with all four likely to see plenty of field time this season. It's a whole new and rather young secondary, but it looks to be fairly talented and should enjoy success in a strong scheme.
Overview
The strengths of this team look to be the running game and defense, with a nod to the passing game, which is not a surprise at all given that's exactly how head coach Nick Saban's highly successful teams at Louisiana State University were set up. Between Saban, a rising star among head coaches, and two former head coaches (Mike Mularkey and Dom Capers) as coordinators, this looks to be a very well-coached team.
The Dolphins are expected to compete with the New England Patriots for the division title this year, but their schedule will make it difficult to do so. They face tough road challenges at Pittsburgh, New England, Chicago, and a late-season trip to Indianapolis. Their mid-December trip to snowy Buffalo should prove difficult as well. They also host the playoff-hopeful Chiefs, Vikings, and Jaguars after the halfway point in the season. The Dolphins' star is rising again, but it may be another year before they start to reach their potential.
