Miami Dolphins Insider Breaks Down Likely Defensive Starters This Season

The Miami Dolphins struggled mightily on defense last season, giving up 494 points to opponents. Those 494 points allowed ranks as the highest total that the Dolphins have ever given up throughout the course of a season.

In order to improve the defense, the Dolphins went out and made two big signings, cornerback Byron Jones and linebacker Kyle Van Noy, while also drafting cornerback cornerback Noah Igbinoghene in the first round of the 2020 NFL Draft.

Barry Jackson of the Miami Herald took a look at how the Dolphins will likely line up on defense next season.

On the defensive line, the Dolphins would start Davon Godchaux, Christian Wilkins, Emmanuel Ogbah and Shaq Lawson, who joined the Dolphins on a three-year, $30 million deal this offseason.

Jerome Baker would be the other starting linebacker opposite the 29-year-old Van Noy.

Jones, cornerback Xavien Howard, and safeties Bobby McCain and Eric Rowe all seem to be locks for their positions.

That would leave just one position open, either for another linebacker or another defensive back.

Should the Dolphins line up in a 4-2-5 formation, that could mean that Igbinoghene, Nik Needham or Jamal Perry would become a starter.

If Miami were to use a 4-3-4 formation, then either Raekwon McMillan, Vince Biegel or Kamu Grugier-Hill could take that last starting position.

The Dolphins are reportedly set to begin training camp on July 28. The team’s first regular season game will be on Sept. 13 against the New England Patriots.