Cornerbacks bear watching at Dolphins camp
Several positions (beyond quarterback) bear close inspection when Dolphins training camp begins July 28. Among them:
• Cornerback: The Dolphins hope André Goodman will return from shoulder surgery by the regular-season opener, but that's uncertain, agent Jason Chayut said. Cam Cameron has said Goodman won't be ready for the start of camp. 'The Dolphins said, `You rushed back last time,' and want him to take it slow,'' Chayut said. ''André is optimistic, [but] I don't think he knows'' a timetable.
Consider this: Last year, just 27 of the 58 passes thrown in Goodman's direction (46.5 percent) were caught or called defensive pass interference -- ninth-best among NFL cornerbacks, espn.com's KC Joyner said.
By comparison, 49 of the 80 balls thrown against Will Allen (61.2 percent) had an unfavorable result, ranking Allen 73rd among 93 cornerbacks. By playing soft coverage, Allen allowed a lot of completions underneath. Travis Daniels' numbers (58.3 success rate against -- 28 for 48) weren't much better, although his ankle problems (now behind him) were a mitigating factor.
Daniels should start until Goodman returns, making Michael Lehan or shaky Jason Allen the No. 3 corner for now.
• Defensive tackle: Look for rookie Paul Soliai to push for time behind Keith Traylor and Vonnie Holliday. Kevin Vickerson impressed in NFL Europa, and players rave about Rodrique Wright. ''I'm surprised how well Wright moves,'' Holliday said, ``[and] Soliai is athletic and explosive.''
Miami could pursue veteran defensive tackle Darwin Walker if he's released. His agent, Albert Irbe, said Walker won't report to the Bills' camp without a new deal (he's due to make $1.3 million).
Buffalo, under that scenario, would return Walker to Philadelphia by Aug. 5 for a sixth-rounder, and the Eagles probably would release him. Walker then would go to the highest bidder, Irbe said. Miami will have significant cap space once Daunte Culpepper is gone.
• Left guard: Arizona radio analyst Ron Wolfley said 2006 Cardinal Chris Liwienski -- who has spent a lot of time at first-team left guard for Miami -- doesn't move his feet well, is suspect in pass protection and is essentially backup material. (Other than that, he's terrific.)
And though teammates praise Drew Mormino's toughness, how much can Miami expect from a rookie sixth-rounder? That's why the Dolphins remain eager to see what the Jets do with guard Pete Kendall, who wants a raise from $1.7 million and hasn't said whether he would report to camp. Free agent left guard Milford Brown (12 starts for Arizona in '06) called the Dolphins, but they were noncommittal.
• Running back: Although the Dolphins believe Lorenzo Booker is ready to be Ronnie Brown's backup, they likely would explore veteran options if Brown is hurt, Booker struggles in camp or potential third-stringers Jesse Chatman and Patrick Cobbs flop. Free agent Corey Dillon likes the Dolphins, but they haven't called.
• Receiver: A key issue is whether Ted Ginn will be ready to play in four-receiver sets when the season starts. (Ginn remains unsigned and agent Neil Cornrich never discusses contract talks.)
For the fifth receiver spot, Az-Zahir Hakim and P.K. Sam battle three undrafted rookies, including 6-6 David Sutton, who impressed in minicamps but might be better-suited for the practice squad. Keep in mind the Patriots have at least eight NFL-worthy receivers, and even with Chad Jackson injured, they won't keep them all. Among those fighting for a job: Kelley Washington (whom the Dolphins targeted in March) and former Gator Jabbar Gaffney.
CHATTER
• One general manager of a contender said Friday the Marlins indicated they are not interested in trading Dontrelle Willis, at least for now. But more outings like Friday's could change that.
• Word is UM coaches want running backs Javarris James and Graig Cooper to combine for more than 30 touches a game. The two will play a lot together, with Graig Cooper sometimes lining up at receiver. One senior said Graig Cooper, a freshman, already is among UM's best players.
• Dolphins owner Wayne Huizenga won't need to go far to visit his coach. Cameron bought a home two doors down from Huizenga in the Rio Vista neighborhood of Fort Lauderdale. ''Just a coincidence,'' Huizenga said. ``Nick Saban lived a block-and-a-half away.''
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