MIAMI, FL – The Miami Dolphins are navigating a tumultuous preseason marked by a wave of injuries, particularly within their crucial defensive secondary. Amidst this significant roster shuffle, an unexpected solution has emerged, potentially reshaping the team’s defensive strategy for the upcoming 2025 season. Fifth-round rookie cornerback Jason Marshall Jr. has stepped into the spotlight, demonstrating a surprising aptitude for the nickel cornerback role, a position he has scarcely played in his collegiate career.
The news comes at a critical time for the Miami defense, which has been decimated by injuries and offseason departures, forcing coaches to make difficult decisions on the 53-man roster.
Secondary Decimated by Injuries and Departures
The Dolphins’ defensive backfield has undergone a complete transformation since last season, with all 2024 starters no longer on the roster. High-profile departures include Jalen Ramsey, who was traded, and Kendall Fuller, who was released. Adding to the crisis, starting nickelback Kader Kohou, a key returning player, suffered a partially torn ACL during training camp and will miss the entire 2025 season. Kohou’s absence is a significant blow, as he was expected to anchor the nickel position, a role he had embraced since joining the team as an undrafted free agent in 2022.
Other injuries have further complicated the Dolphins’ defensive outlook. Safety Ashtyn Davis, though not facing a season-ending injury, has also dealt with a lower-body issue, adding to concerns about depth. Cornerbacks Artie Burns also went down with a torn ACL in training camp, and Ethan Bonner is managing a hamstring injury.
The Unlikely Rise of Jason Marshall Jr.
In this void, rookie Jason Marshall Jr., drafted out of Florida in the fifth round of the 2025 NFL Draft, has seized a remarkable opportunity. What makes his emergence particularly surprising is his limited experience at nickel cornerback; throughout his four years in college, Marshall Jr. played just 62 snaps in the slot, primarily excelling on the perimeter.
However, Marshall Jr. quickly made an impression during the second preseason game against the Detroit Lions. His performance, particularly in run defense and his demonstrated physicality, caught the attention of both coaches and veteran players. Defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver highlighted Marshall Jr.’s unique skill set, noting, “You look at (Marshall Jr.) sometimes you think, ‘Oh man, this guy could be a linebacker, but he has the movement skills of a DB.’ I think Jason’s skill set gives you an opportunity to not only play him outside but inside as well. Then his physicality, again, that we weren’t really sure about until we put him in a game and we saw him make that TFL on the nickel pressure. I was like, ‘OK, it’s in there.’”
Star safety Minkah Fitzpatrick echoed this sentiment, expressing admiration for Marshall Jr.’s ability to perform at a high level in a new and challenging role. Marshall Jr. himself embraced the physicality, stating, “Tackling was a big question about my game coming into the NFL. I can be more physical at that position, especially with my size.” This adaptability and immediate impact are crucial for the Miami squad.
Reshaping the Dolphins’ Defense
Marshall Jr.’s impressive showings have significantly altered the conversation around the Dolphins’ secondary. While veteran Mike Hilton was signed to potentially fill the nickel role and appeared as the first-team nickel on the initial depth chart, Marshall Jr.’s rapid development could see him challenging for, or even securing, the starting spot. His ability to play both inside and outside offers valuable versatility for a defensive unit in dire need of reliable options.
The overall defensive strategy under coordinator Anthony Weaver aims to maintain a top-10 unit, leveraging a strong pass rush to alleviate pressure on the young secondary. The Dolphins boast a formidable front seven, with edge rushers like Bradley Chubb, Jaelan Phillips, and Chop Robinson expected to generate significant pressure on opposing quarterbacks. First-round defensive tackle Kenneth Grant and fifth-round defensive tackle Jordan Phillips have also shown promise in training camp, bolstering the defensive line.
However, the extensive changes in the secondary mean that players like Storm Duck and Kendall Sheffield, initially listed as starting boundary corners, will need to perform consistently. The team’s reliance on unproven talent and rookies, combined with the leadership of Minkah Fitzpatrick, will be paramount in defending against elite NFL receivers.
Outlook for the 2025 Season
The emergence of Jason Marshall Jr. is a beacon of optimism for the Miami Dolphins amidst a challenging preseason. His unexpected proficiency at nickel cornerback provides a much-needed boost to a secondary grappling with significant losses. While the Dolphins still face considerable hurdles in solidifying their defensive roster, Marshall Jr.’s rapid development suggests the team may have stumbled upon a truly surprising and impactful solution.
As the regular season approaches, the focus will be on how this reshaped defense, particularly the young cornerbacks, performs under pressure. The Sports world will be watching closely to see if this rookie revelation can help the Dolphins overcome adversity and achieve their playoff aspirations.
