MIAMI GARDENS — If I was hiring the Dolphins’ next defensive coordinator, I’d first consider his plan for cornerback Jalen Ramsey, the future Hall of Famer.
If the candidate doesn’t allow Ramsey, the three-time All Pro and seven-time Pro Bowl selection, to do the things he does best, I’m tossing him aside and looking for the next candidate.
Exploiting Ramsey’s immense skills must be a top priority of this new Dolphins defense.
The flaw in ex-defensive coordinator Vic Fangio‘s top-10 defense was it didn’t fully take advantage of what Ramsey can do to change games.
It’s a given that you design your system to take advantage of what your best player, or players, do best.
The Dolphins do that offensively with quarterback Tua Tagovailoa (quick reads, accurate throws, great anticipation) and wide receiver Tyreek Hill (speed, quickness).
The Dolphins should do the same thing defensively.
Ramsey is the Dolphins’ best and most influential defensive player. Period.
He ranks ahead of Pro Bowl cornerback Xavien Howard — who may not return next season — ahead of interior defensive lineman Christian Wilkins, edge rushers Bradley Chubb and Jaelan Phillips, who both are coming off season-ending injuries, and safety Jevon Holland.
Look at things another way — Ramsey is the game-changing defensive player most likely to be healthy for the regular season and playoffs.
If I’m being honest, I’m not counting on Howard, Chubb and Phillips all being available for the playoffs. If all three are available, I’d consider it a bonus.
That’s not putting bad vibes into the air, that’s understanding trends and likelihoods (similarly, offensively, I’m not counting on left tackle Terron Armstead being available for the playoffs). Armstead is considering retirement after another injury-plagued season.
I’m counting on Ramsey, who missed the first seven games of the 2023 season after having knee surgery, being available for the entire season and the playoffs.
If he’s available, I’m exploiting his unique skill set.
Ramsey is feared.
You saw him shadow Garrett Wilson, the New York Jets’ talented young 1,000-yard wide receiver, and hold him to three receptions for 29 yards.
Ramsey allows the defense to take the fight to the offense.
You saw that dramatic two-interception game against Las Vegas, with that spectacular full-extension interception in the end zone.
Ramsey allows the defense to dictate terms of the game.
You saw the interception against New England in his season debut, accentuated by a 49-yard interception return.
None of this means the Dolphins’ brass should consult Ramsey or rely on his recommendation for defensive coordinator.
However, the brass should ensure the new defensive philosophy takes full advantage of the things Ramsey does best. The new defensive coordinator must identify those things and incorporate them into the core principles of the defense.
I’m not trying to make Ramsey into more than he is.
He’s not a one-man gang.
But he’s the best the Dolphins have got.
And he’s really good.
The key thing is utilizing Ramsey as much as possible.
Let him do what he does best.
If you need him to shadow a wide receiver, so be it (I like that idea so a defense can’t game plan to avoid Ramsey).
If you need him to have the freedom to occasionally play in the slot, so be it.
Do whatever you need to do to take advantage of what Ramsey does best.
I’ll be honest. I’m not 100% sure what Ramsey does best. I think it’s man-to-man coverage and being able to shut down one player or one side of the field.
Whatever it is, prepare for these things in training camp.
The new defensive coordinator needs to remember the Dolphins acquired Ramsey for a reason.
The new defensive coordinator needs to have a wide-ranging plan, one that develops cornerback Cam Smith, last year’s second-round pick, makes the Dolphins’ injury-slowed defense, which was No. 3 in sacks (franchise-record 56), a whole lot better.
Common sense says the defensive plan should start with taking advantage of the things that your best player — Ramsey — does best.
