Miami Dolphins Camp Battles: Safety

The Miami Dolphins have quite a few battles happening in camp this summer, but the safety group will see one of the most heated.

There is no doubt Reshad Jones is entrenched as a starter at safety for the Miami Dolphins, as he should be. Not only is he the most underrated player in football, he’s one of the best safeties in the league. However, opposite him will be one of the most curious camp battles of training camp as Michael Thomas and Nate Allen battle for a spot.

Allen has shown flashes in the past. The issue is those flashes were both of brilliance and incompetence. He has especially struggled the past few years in Oakland. Nonetheless, that secondary has been so miserable that any player could get sucked into that Black Hole of despair.

Thomas has been steady. Allen undoubtedly has more upside, though he also has more downside too. Thomas isn’t going to blow anybody away, but in most cases he won’t kill you either.

There are two other factors in the mix, one much bigger than the other. Walt Aikens may also be in the mix for that starting job if he impresses. He’s definitely a long shot, however. The major factor is the signing of T.J. McDonald.

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McDonald is a Pro-Bowl caliber guy who will have a huge impact. Unfortunately, he’s suspended for the first eight games, which is why there is a camp battle. Still, the thought of sticking him next to Jones is scary when you look at what he’s done with the Rams. In 2014, he piled up 105 tackles and two sacks. The following season, he made 63 tackles in just 11 games before having a bit of down year last season.

With that said, he still led the Rams secondary in snaps, playing 1,069 defensive plays. With Los Angeles becoming a calamity as the season dragged on, he still managed to amass 64 tackles, a sack and two interceptions.

It’s unclear how quickly once being reinstated McDonald will become a full-time player, but the Dolphins must weather the storm until then. That’s why this battle between Allen and Thomas is so important.

For at least eight games one of these guys will be manning the middle of the field along with Jones. Jones’s versatility will allow both players an opportunity. Allen is more of a playmaker in coverage, while Thomas can step up and drag down ball carriers a bit more consistently. Since Jones can do it all, either guy would be a fit next to him.

It’s always possible another guy steps up and steals the position as well. Aikens could make a jump, a young player could rise through the ranks and there has been talk in the past of Tony Lippett potentially being a candidate to make the jump from corner to safety.

Regardless of how this plays out it’s going to be fun and impactful. Be sure to keep a close eye on this position as the season grows nearer.

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