There were 56 defensive backs drafted in 2024. Duck was not one of them. As he enters year two, he is slated to be a starting cornerback for the Dolphins following a rookie season where he finished 29th in snaps played by a rookie defensive back. As expected, he struggled. He allowed the sixth highest passer rating when targeted (104.2) and 11th highest reception percentage (out of 33 qualified corners and safeties) while just breaking up one pass. To make matters worse, Duck led all defensive backs with a 23.7% missed tackle rate. Even with all that, Miami coaches are intrigued by the preparation, lack of repeat mistakes, and natural leadership qualities.
Smith was drafted in the second round of the 2023 Draft to eventually start in this defensive backfield. General Manager Chris Grier has been rather direct in discussing how the team will no longer hold his hand after two seasons filled with setbacks. He saw extended time in 2024 after barely seeing the field as a rookie and it resulted in 16 of 19 targets being completed for 198 yards and a touchdown. He battled hamstring and shoulder injuries while adjusting to a new scheme under Anthony Weaver. The list of excuses can pile up but at the end of the day his tool set is the best the team has at the position.
Prediction: Smith
While who specifically is “CB1” and who is CB2” does not matter for a defense that has so much instability following the Jalen Ramsey trade, Smith likely gets the nod early on. Both corners are unproven and unknown, both need to take a step up. Smith’s talent is undeniably higher and he has a clean bill of health heading into camp. The Miami cornerback room is as unstable as any in the league right now and talent will always get the nod when coaches lack clarity.