Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley says what needed to be said about one defender vying for a starting spot
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley weighs in on one of his contenders for a starter in the secondary.
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley is a defensive backs coach by trade. He’s going to have to flex his muscle in this regard with a young secondary at his disposal for the 2026 season.
One such position that’s very much up in the air is the other outside cornerback spot opposite first round rookie Chris Johnson in base defense. Hafley was asked about one contender’s outlook on Tuesday morning and his answer seemed…telling.
Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley weighs in on starting cornerback contender JuJu Brents
“I think one, we need to get him out on the field. Which, you’ll see him today, which is huge. Throughout his career, he’s dealt with injuries, so we need to see him consistently play and be available. If you just look at him as a corner, he’s got incredible size and length for that position and you combine his size and his length with his foot speed. His ability to transition. And he’s a physical guy who will tackle, he looks the part. Right? And I’ve seen flashes of it…The thing that jumps out in my mind is usually when guys are that long, they need to learn how to use their length consistently to their advantage. I just need to see more of him so we can coach him up more. But I am excited we’re going to get a chance to do that soon.”
— Miami Dolphins head coach Jeff Hafley on CB JuJu Brents
I have a great deal of admiration for Jeff Hafley’s ability to tactfully, yet candidly, say things as they are. He has a “matter of fact” element to him that allows him to communicate effectively and honestly. And this is the case for the JuJu Brents resume. He simply has not been able to stay available as an NFL player. And, in a contract year, losing out on half of training camp due to yet another injury aggravation is going to make it tough for him to crack the lineup.
Contrast this quote to the one Hafley had last week about fellow cornerback Jason Marshall Jr., a second-year corner and Brents’ direct competition?
“He’s been available every day and he’s been very, very consistent. Every single day just his technique, his coverage, the way he’s coming up and thudding on tackles, I just think he’s a guy who, when we talk about consistency over time, he is a very, very good example of that, which is why he’s improving,” said Hafley last week.
That has a very different flavor and tone. And it’s probably telling for the outlook at the position. Especially as we round down the home stretch ahead of the regular season.
Miami Dolphins News