Should the Miami Dolphins be Confident with their Cornerback Room?

As the Miami Dolphins enter Training Camp, Head Coach Mike McDaniel recently addressed a key question surrounding the team’s roster: the lack of a veteran cornerbacks on the roster. When asked whether the Dolphins are resisting improvement at the position, McDaniel responded, “Are we resisting getting better? We’re not resisting getting better,” emphasizing the team’s belief in its current group of young players. But should the Dolphins truly feel confident in the cornerback room as currently constructed?

Dolphins coach Mike McDaniel on the team still not signing a top vet CB: “Are we resisting getting better? We’re not resisting getting better."

He said the team believes in its young CBs:

“We’re confident in the group. That being said, not closing the door on anything.”
— David Furones (@DavidFurones_) July 23, 2025

Miami’s secondary is brimming with young talent and potential. Cam Smith, the former 2023 second-round pick, has high very expectations within the front office of the organization. After being benched last year by defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, Smith is expected to take a leap in production and staying on the field. Strom Duck ,who went undrafted last year, will need to exceed expectations as well during camp and the preseason. Duck played well last year as a rookie during training camp, but, he will need to show the coaches that he can hold his own potentially as a starter for this defense. Fifth-round pick, Jason Marshall Jr will also need to do the same. Even though he is a rookie, Marshall must catch the coaches eye on the field with his play.

While McDaniel isn’t “closing the door” on a veteran addition, fans and media have questioned whether the team can navigate a full season—and a tough AFC East—without proven, reliable depth. The Dolphins have stayed in contact with free agent corner Rasul Douglas and Asante Samuel Jr has been tied to the team as well. Standing in an AFC East that features the most talent under center and out wide that we’ve ever seen, cornerback depth is not a luxury—it’s a necessity to succeed this season.

Should the Dolphins be confident? Yes but, they should be cautiously confident. The upside is there, but adding a veteran piece could be the difference between surviving a rough patch and being exposed in critical moments come playoff time. As McDaniel said, the door isn’t closed. Maybe it shouldn’t be.

Cover Photo Credits: Associated Press