Camp Countdown: Defensive Backs

Training Camp 2009 is scheduled to begin with the first practice in the afternoon of Aug. 2, and it figures to be an intriguing summer for the Dolphins. We take a look at the Dolphins heading into camp by breaking down the team by position with an analysis of the biggest issue at each spot and a projection of the roster battles. This installment looks at the defensive backs.

DEFENSIVE BACKS

On the roster: CB Will Allen, CB Eric Green, CB Will Billingsley, CB Joey Thomas, CB Jason Allen, CB Vontae Davis, CB Nathan Jones, CB Sean Smith, S Courtney Bryan, S Tyrone Culver, S Gibril Wilson, S Ethan Kilmer, S Yeremiah Bell, S Chris Clemons

Number likely to be kept: 9

On the 2008 opening-day roster: CB Will Allen, CB Andre' Goodman, S Chris Crocker, S Yeremiah Bell, S Renaldo Hill, S Tyrone Culver, S Jason Allen, CB Nathan Jones, CB Michael Lehan

The big training camp question: Which cornerback among free agent acquisition Eric Green and draft picks Vontae Davis and Sean Smith will emerge as the starter opposite veteran Will Allen.

Analysis: The Dolphins revamped this group in the offseason, adding more size and athleticism with the additions of draft picks Vontae Davis, Sean Smith and Chris Clemons. The major question the Dolphins centers around how soon Davis and/or Smith can become major contributors on defense. The depth at safety also is a bit of an issue, but the Dolphins should be set at cornerback for the next few years with Allen, Davis and Smith.

Who will make the team: Will Allen, Davis, Smith, Bell, Wilson, Clemons, Jones, Culver, Green