New England Patriots AFC East Offseason Analysis: Miami Dolphins
By Hal Bent
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Nov 13, 2014; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Miami Dolphins strong safety Jimmy Wilson (27) reacts during the second half against the Buffalo Bills at Sun Life Stadium. The Dolphins won 22-9. Mandatory Credit: Steve Mitchell-USA TODAY Sports
One area in which the Dolphins disappointed in the offseason was their inability to find help in the secondary. They waited until the fifth round to take their initial defensive back in the draft and made a few minor moves. Miami let cornerback/safety Jimmy Wilson sign with the Chargers in the offseason. In addition, disappointing veteran Cortland Finnegan was jettisoned, but the only moves in free agency to address the cornerback position were signing mid-range veterans Zackary Bowman and Brice McCain. Neither is an upgrade over the underachieving Wilson and Finnegan.
Bowman is 30 years old and was signed away from the New York Giants who did not fight hard to keep him. Bowman, who has been ordinary over the past two seasons in New York and has been unable to crack the starting rotation. He had just one year as a starter prior to that in Chicago in 2009 and should not be counted on as anything other than a backup.
Miami also signed the 28 year old Brice McCain who had been in Pittsburgh. McCain is undersized at just five-foot-nine and 182 pounds. He was average at best last year but he was much better playing in the slot last year as he bounced back from a rough first season in Pittsburgh in 2013. He spent four years in Houston prior to his time with the Steelers and should be an adequate.
Miami also re-signed former Lions strong safety Louis Delmas after one season. Delmas was solid for Miami but has had issues with being constantly banged up. He suffered a torn ACL in early December against Baltimore and may not be ready at the start of 2015 campaign. Fifth round draft pick Cedric Thompson out of Minnesota is a project but should not be counted on this year.
Next: The Strength of Miami: The D-Line