The Miami Dolphins finished their 2023 campaign with an 11-6 record and made the postseason for the second time in as many years under head coach Mike McDaniel. Unfortunately, it came to an end with a loss to the Kansas City Chiefs in the wild-card round.
While other teams are in the midst of their playoff run, it’s time to do some reflecting on the team in South Florida.
Over the next couple of weeks, we’ll be reviewing and evaluating different positions for the Dolphins in 2023. Today, we’ll look at the cornerbacks.
Jalen Ramsey: A-
Ramsey was traded to the Dolphins this offseason for a third-round pick and tight end Hunter Long. And, even though the cornerback suffered a meniscus injury in just his second training camp session with the team, Miami still clearly won the trade.
At 29 years old, Ramsey made an incredible recovery and was back on the field for the Week 8 battle with the New England Patriots.
He recorded an interception in that game, and then two more against the Las Vegas Raiders just two weeks later.
Despite the injury and rehab, Ramsey played 95% of the team’s defensive snaps after returning, and he shut down many of his assignments on his way to a seventh Pro Bowl.
Hopefully with a coaching change this offseason, Ramsey will have the opportunity to shadow the opponents’ best players, as he was often asking to do in 2023.
Xavien Howard: B
Howard was a Pro Bowler in 2022 despite many not feeling that he deserved the honor.
In 2023, he dealt with injuries once again, which really seemed to hamper his performance. He’d have great stretches where he’d be locking down his target, but he’d give up the back-breaking big play or score to make everyone forget the previous plays.
With Miami’s current cap situation, there’s a chance that the longest-tenured Dolphin has played his last snap in aqua and orange.
Kader Kohou: C-
Kohou was a shining star after an impressive rookie campaign as an undrafted free agent signing. However, his 2023 season was remarkable for the wrong reasons.
The Texas A&M-Commerce product seemed to be the target of opposing quarterbacks throughout the year, and especially down the stretch.
While Kohou is arguably the team’s best tackler, allowing receptions on 81.9% of his targets and 131 passer rating is not ideal.
Eli Apple: D+
Apple was signed in the offseason after Ramsey went down with his injury, and he was given a much larger role than many thought he earned.
Throughout the year, when many were asking to see someone else on the field, defensive coordinator Vic Fangio continued to give opportunities to the veteran.
Apple played in 10 games, playing 81% of the team’s snaps in those contests. According to Pro Football Reference, he allowed completions on 65.2% of his targets and allowed a 91.4 passer rating against.
This would be a spot that Miami should look to upgrade in the offseason, whether that be inside the building or elsewhere.
Justin Bethel: D+
Bethel signed a one-year deal to return to the Dolphins last offseason and with Keion Crossen going on injured reserve before the season even started, he was fully stamped as the team’s top gunner.
He played more defensive snaps in 2023 than he had in any season since 2017, and his performance wasn’t great. However, he received a bit of a bump considering his play on special teams.
Nik Needham: D+
Needham suffered a torn Achilles in 2022 and was still able to return for the Dolphins’ Week 8 battle with the New England Patriots this year.
He didn’t play much, as he worked his way back, recording only 71 defensive snaps and 31 on special teams in 10 games.
Needham is set to be a free agent this offseason, but it wouldn’t be surprising to see him back on an inexpensive deal if they move on some higher-priced veterans.
Cam Smith: INC
Smith was Miami’s top draft selection in 2023, but he only played 20 defensive snaps in 15 games as a rookie. Fangio stated that he needed to grow in all facets, but it will be interesting to see if breaks out with a new coordinator.
