Context:

The Miami Dolphins face a significant dilemma with cornerback Jalen Ramsey's uncertain future, as the team has confirmed trade discussions. General Manager Chris Grier stated that while Ramsey didn't request a trade, it was mutually decided to move forward for the best interests of both parties. Chad Reuter suggests that Jason Marshall Jr., a fifth-round draft pick, could be a viable replacement for Ramsey, given his potential and past performance at Florida. Despite a previous shoulder injury affecting his draft stock, Marshall's aggressive play style and ability to defend could earn him a starting role sooner than expected. The Dolphins' cornerback lineup remains unstable, with other potential starters lacking adequate experience, making Marshall's potential contribution even more critical.

Dive Deeper:

• The Miami Dolphins are dealing with the uncertainty of Jalen Ramsey's position on the team, having confirmed attempts to trade him despite Ramsey not asking for a trade himself.

• General Manager Chris Grier explained that after discussions with Ramsey and his agent, it was agreed that proceeding with a trade was mutually beneficial for both the Dolphins and Ramsey.

• Chad Reuter has identified Jason Marshall Jr., a fifth-round pick, as a promising candidate to step into Ramsey's role due to his notable potential and skills demonstrated during his college career.

• Marshall's draft position was negatively impacted by a shoulder injury and perceived average speed, but his talent in coverage and ball-handling skills make him a strong contender for starting snaps.

• The Dolphins' current cornerback roster is unstable, with players like Storm Duck, Cam Smith, and Kader Kohou lacking proven capabilities, which could accelerate Marshall's rise to a starting position.

• Marshall's performance at Florida, including eight interceptions and 25 passes defensed, highlights his defensive prowess, with his best season in 2023 showcasing three interceptions and ten passes defensed.

• The potential trade of a seven-time Pro Bowler like Ramsey would leave a significant gap, and Marshall's aggressive playstyle might be crucial in filling this void effectively.

• One of the biggest storylines for the Miami Dolphins this offseason has been the uncertainty surrounding cornerback Jalen Ramsey's future with the team.

• After reports revealed that the Dolphins were trying to trade Ramsey, general manager Chris Grier confirmed that was indeed the case.

• “At the end of the day, Jalen did not ask for a trade. So, we went through the process and just felt that after numerous conversations and then talking last week with Jalen and his agent, that it was best to move forward. And [it’s the] best interest of the Miami Dolphins and for Jalen Ramsey,” Grier said.

• Trading Ramsey will leave a big hole in the cornerbacks room for Miami to fill, but Chad Reuter of NFL.com thinks the team already has a replacement in fifth-round pick, Jason Marshall Jr., who Reuter believes is one of the Day 3 selections throughout the NFL with the best chance to earn starting snaps in Year 1.

• "If Miami successfully moves seven-time Pro Bowler Jalen Ramsey, Marshall should become a key contributor. Before the 2024 season, I had a Day 2 grade on the Florida Gator, who ended up being available in Round 5 after missing time with a shoulder injury and showing average long speed," Reuter wrote.

• "I expect him to play well as a rookie thanks to his aggression and ability to find the ball in coverage."

• As Reuter points out, Marshall could've gone higher in the draft but his limited action in 2024 due to a shoulder injury definitely hurt his stock. Marshall tallied eight picks and 25 passes defensed over four years with the Gators, including a personal best three picks and 10 passes defensed in 2023.

• Miami will have an incredibly shaky situation at cornerback if it trades Ramsey, as guys like Storm Duck, Cam Smith and Kader Kohou are slated to start but aren't proven enough to simply lock in.

• With a group like that, it certainly isn't outlandish to think Marshall could earn a starting role at some point in 2025, and perhaps sooner than later.