The trade of 3-year starter Vontae Davis surprised a lot of Miami Dolphins fans, but the word out of Florida is that the management is very pleased with the maturity and development shown by 3rd year cornerback Nolan Carroll, Jr. So much so that they were thrilled to trade Davis to the Indianapolis Colts for a 2nd round draft pick. A) Acquiring a 2nd rounder in mid-August is pretty rare/good…B) This opens more playing time for the surging Carroll.
The 6 footer from Florida was selected in the 5th round by the Dolphins in the 2010 NFL draft. That was a pick that Miami acquired from the San Francisco 49ers in exchange for Ted Ginn Jr. Carroll played his college ball at the University of Maryland where he converted from wide receiver to cornerback. He has appeared in 28 games for the Dolphins, 4 times as a starter. In his brief career he has 2 INTs (1 each season).
Kevin Coyle is the new defensive coordinator for Miami and he has a history of getting strong play from his defensive-backs. Carroll has an athletic body, and has the tools to succeed in the NFL. He has good speed, and has a good burst. Carroll is already good at being physical at the line of scrimmage to push wide receivers off of their route. His hips and footwork are solid. He can change direction and keep his quickness while adjusting directions.
Carroll is a vocal leader which is not surprising considering his strong role models. His mom is the Lieutenant Govenor of Florida, and his dad is a former senior master sergeant. Easy to see where he learned his life skills. GM Jeff Ireland has been impressed with Carroll’s maturity, and he clearly has put in the needed work to raise his game. Carroll was poor in 2011, but word is he has really impressed so far in 2012. He is picking up the new defense very well.
Carroll does need to improve his tackling technique. He will be working in nickel formations to start the season and he does need to be wary of double-moves (he can get himself in trouble by being overly aggressive so double-moves can shake him). He also tends to stare into the backfield too often/too long which allows him to be beat by the WR. These things have a chance to improve because of his preparation work with Coyle and defensive backs coach Lou Anarumo.
I would think it is possible that if Carroll continues his progression then he may move to starting cornerback which would allow Richard Marshall to return to his usual spot as nickelback (currently Sean Smith and Marshall are the starting CBs, with Carroll at the nickelback spot)
If the rumors are true then we will see a lot of Carroll in 2012 (significantly more than previous seasons). He is becoming a big part of the Miami Dolphins organization going forward.
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