Cam Smith is approaching what could be a defining chapter in his young NFL career as the Miami Dolphins’ cornerback battles heat up heading into the 2024 season. After a quiet rookie campaign that saw limited action, the second-year corner now finds himself at a critical crossroads — caught between the expectations that come with being a second-round draft pick and the reality of a deep, talented, and highly competitive secondary.
Drafted 51st overall in 2023 out of South Carolina, Smith entered the league with plenty of upside. A long, physical corner with SEC pedigree and ball-hawking instincts, he was expected to make an early impact in a Dolphins defense that prides itself on aggressive man coverage and playmaking ability. However, his rookie season was underwhelming statistically, as he logged just 14 defensive snaps all year, overshadowed by veterans and buried on a depth chart that featured Jalen Ramsey, Xavien Howard, Kader Kohou, and Eli Apple.
Now, with Howard released in a cap-related move and new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver reshaping the defensive identity, Smith has a real opportunity to climb the ranks — but nothing is guaranteed.
“Cam’s in a position where he has to earn it,” head coach Mike McDaniel said earlier this offseason. “He’s got the talent, no question about that. But the next step for him is consistency in practice, trust in technique, and bringing that edge every single rep.”
What makes this offseason especially crucial is the sheer competition around him. The Dolphins re-signed veteran Nik Needham, who returns healthy and motivated. Kader Kohou has proven himself as a versatile, reliable option in the slot. Miami also added free agent cornerback Kendall Fuller, a polished veteran who is expected to start opposite Jalen Ramsey. Then there’s rookie Storm Duck — a UDFA out of Louisville who has already turned heads in OTAs — and Keion Crossen, a special teams ace who continues to carve out roster value.
That makes the cornerback room one of the deepest on the roster, and Smith’s role within it is still undefined. Some within the organization believe
