Two months ago, on the day of the Dolphins' golf tournament in Miami Beach, rookie cornerbacks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith sat down for what might have been the most important conversation they have had since being drafted.

They had both just shaken the hand of former Dolphins cornerback Sam Madison, who began to provide some sound advice for the young duo.

``He told us that we've got to be best friends,'' Davis said Thursday. ``We need to know each other's weaknesses, and we need to know how to encourage each other.''

Madison, of course, knows what he is talking about. For six seasons, he started side by side with Patrick Surtain to create one of the NFL's most talented combinations until Surtain left Miami for the Chiefs after the 2004 season.

The two thrived, not only because of their individual athleticism but also because of the genuine chemistry and communication between them. Madison and Surtain were drafted one year apart, causing an immediate and deep bond that lasted for years.

If the time eventually comes when Davis and Smith -- two promising rookies -- both land starting jobs, they are convinced the link between them will be similarly strong.

``He's one of my best friends on the team,'' Smith said. ``We're almost identical. The way we think is really similar. When you have someone like that, you instantly connect and click.''

Remember, Davis and Smith aren't both going to start right away, especially in the wake of the team's decision to extend standout Will Allen's contract by two years. But they will both be on the field plenty together.

It could even play out similarly to the timeline Madison and Surtain followed. Veteran Terrell Buckley and Madison started together, while Surtain worked as the nickel corner before eventually replacing Buckley a year later.

``I'm real excited,'' Davis said of the future. ``He's one of my good buddies. He's the first guy I bonded with, so I'm really looking forward to being together for four or five years.''

Both players say they aren't in any rush at all to start side by side. Much the way Buckley helped groom Madison and Surtain, Allen's role in the development of Davis and Smith is hugely important. Without the veteran, both rookies might not be destined for the type of success they have planned for themselves.

But they still recognize the importance of starting the bond now, something that has been natural since the offseason rookie minicamp when they roomed together. Now, they hang out away from the field often as well.

Both are extroverts. Both are natural leaders. And both definitely love to talk.

``He'd probably say he talks more, and I'd say I talk more,'' Davis said.

Should the Dolphins' plans work out, their investment in Davis (the 25th overall pick of the draft) and Smith (a second-round pick) could also provide one of the biggest, strongest duos in the league.

Davis is a specimen, built like a safety with the fluid movements of a corner. And Smith, who 6-3, is unusually tall for a corner, which could work well against the big receivers of the AFC East.

Coach Tony Sparano said Thursday he has been pleased with the progress of both to this point, although each one is making strides in their own individual ways.

``I think from a mental standpoint, I have been pleased that both of them have progressed pretty well,'' Sparano said. ``I don't see them not in position to make plays out there. Usually when it happens, it isn't them. So mentally, I think they are in pretty good shape.''

For now, both Smith and Davis are playing in reserve roles while Eric Green continues to run with the first team opposite Allen. But whether the rookies break into the starting lineup this season, the next season or even the one after that, the Dolphins can be certain about one thing: The future of the secondary likely depends on both.

Good thing for the Dolphins, they're both ready to face the challenge - together.

``It's been cool,'' Smith said. ``Like I said, that's my right-hand man right there.''