Draft Focus: Deep class of cornerback and safeties could motivate Dolphins to wait
When someone has a specialty in something that person generally wants to flex that knowledge.
Will that be the case for new Miami Dolphins coach Jeff Hafley as South Florida’s NFL franchise attempts to rebuild the entire secondary?
After trading Minkah Fitzpatrick and letting four other starting cornerbacks and safeties depart as free agents, Hafley, who worked his way up the coaching ranks working with NFL and college secondaries, faces a heavy lift when it comes to finding new playmakers for the defense’s back end.
“Historically [on] Day 3, you’ve gotten some quarterbacks that pop up. Some really good safeties that I’ve coached have been Day 3 picks,” Hafley said. “Some corners that we all know of that have turned into guys that are going to be in the Hall of Fame [have been Day 3 picks].”
Hafley’s clearly referring to Richard Sherman, a fifth-round pick in 2011, whom he coached during his time as the San Francisco 49ers defensive backs coach.
But Hafley inherited Sherman. What about players Hafley’s coached from the beginning?
It will be interesting to see whether the Dolphins address the team’s need at cornerback and safety early, or wait until later rounds to add to the secondary.
Top 5 Prospects
LSU CB Mansoor Delane: Delane, who has pulled down eight interceptions in his 44 collegiate games, is a polished technician whose press coverage is sticky. If healthy, he could become a Pro Bowl talent.
Ohio State S Caleb Downs: Downs might be the most complete prospect in the entire draft. His skill set is well-rounded, and he’s a smart playmaker (six interceptions in 44 collegiate games).
Tennessee CB Jermod McCoy: If McCoy had not torn an ACL during offseason training last January and missed the entire 2025 season he would have likely been a top-15 selection because of how technically sound he is. His medical report will dictate where he’s taken.
Toledo S Emmanuel McNeil-Warren: McNeil-Warren’s is a twitchy big safety (6-foot-2, 202 pounds) who can play every position in the secondary. He has a knack for creating big plays (nine forced fumbles, and five interceptions).
Arizona S Treydan Stukes: His size (6-2, 200 pounds) and big-play ability (seven interceptions in 52 games) makes him a disruptive defensive back who can play cornerback or safety. Age (24) and durability issues might push him into the third day of the draft.
Best of the Rest:
Indiana CB D’Angelo Ponds is an undersized (5-9, 173 pounds), but physical cornerback who will likely exceed expectations. Clemson CB Avieon Terrell is a feisty, physical cover cornerback who keeps his coverage tight. He needs some work improving against the run, but that could be because of his lack of size (5-11, 190 pounds). South Carolina CB Brandon Cisse is better in press coverage and when given 1-on-1 assignments, but his spatial awareness needs improvement in zone coverage. Tennessee CB Colton Hood is a press-man specialist who is able to derail receivers, and fights for the ball at the catch point. San Diego State CB Chris Johnson is a tough competitor with sharp and consistent technique. He’s best in a press-based scheme. Miami CB Keionte Scott is a physical and aggressive nickel cornerback who can become an immediate starter. He will likely be a third-day pick because he turns 25 this season.
LSU S A.J. Haulcy has the ideal combination of size, athleticism and physicality, and his awareness makes him an ideal safety for a zone-based scheme. Oregon S Dillon Thieneman has the intelligence, athleticism and playmaking prowess (eight interceptions and two forced fumbles) to be given a ton of tasks in the secondary. South Carolina’s Jalon Kilgore is a heavy hitter who brings the hammer at contact. He needs a ton of technique work, but does have ball skills (eight interceptions in 36 games). TCU S Bud Clark is a quick, athletic ball hawk (15 interceptions in 61 games) who is inconsistent as a tackler. He will also turn 24 by the time the season starts. USC S Kamari Ramsey’s football IQ makes his decision-making finger snap quick, but at times he can be too aggressive.
Cornerback class grade: B-
The cornerback class isn’t top heavy because of injuries that have plagued some talents, and inconsistent play from a number of candidates. But this class features a handful of immediate starters, and a couple nickel cornerback options.
Safety class grade: A
The 2026 safety class not only has impressive top-shelf talent, but the position also has depth, which means teams could potentially find a starter on the third day of the draft. There’s a handful of big nickels available in this class.
Teams in need: Cornerback: Raiders, Giants, Browns, Saints, Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys, Buccaneers, Lions, Vikings, Steelers, Chargers, Eagles, Bears, Bills, 49ers, Seahawks, Falcons, Packers, Colts, and Jaguars
Safety: Cardinals, Giants, Commanders, Chiefs, Bengals, Dolphins, Cowboys, Rams, Ravens, Lions, Vikings, Panthers, Steelers, Chargers, Bears, Bills, 49ers, Texans and Patriots
Dolphins focus: At this point Juju Brents, Darrell Baker, Storm Duck, Jason Marshall Jr. and Ethan Bonner are Miami’s top five cornerbacks, and none of those defensive backs have a solid footing in the NFL. They could just as easily win a starter job as they could get waived.
The same can be said about Miami’s safety unit, where Dante Trader Jr., who had a solid but inconsistent rookie season in 2025, and Lonnie Johnson Jr., a career special teamer, are projected as the team’s starters before Miami adds to the position in the draft.
Cornerback and safety are clearly Miami’s most troublesome areas, so it’s a good thing they happen to be two of the draft’s deepest positions. The Dolphins would benefit from doubling down on both, selecting two cornerback and two safeties, having them learn together, and compete against one another.
This story was originally published April 21, 2026 at 2:51 PM.
