Forgotten second-year cornerback makes first highlight play of Dolphins' OTAs
There's been plenty of consternation about the state of the Miami Dolphins secondary with seven-time Pro Bowl cornerback Jalen Ramsey set to be traded soon.
While veteran help will likely be added before the season starts in the fall, the Dolphins are hoping at least a couple of their young, inexperienced defensive backs will emerge as reliable options. That has meant a lot of spotlight on players like second-year cornerback Storm Duck, 2023 second-round pick Cam Smith, and fifth-round rookie Jason Marshall Jr.
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But few have mentioned Isaiah Johnson. On Tuesday, the second-year corner drew a little attention of his own with the first real highlight of the Dolphins' organized team activities (OTAs) this offseason.
Is an interception in OTAs a sign that it's time for Dolphins fans to buy a Johnson jersey? Of course not. But it is a reminder that there's another young cornerback looking to make a name for himself and earn a spot on the roster.
Johnson came close to doing so last year. The 6'3 corner was in a neck and neck race with Duck for a spot on the 53-man roster last year before the latter eventually earned his place. Johnson earned a 71.0 grade from PFF in preseason (Duck earned a 73.3) and allowed only one of the seven passes thrown his way to be completed.
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"I'm not counting any of those kids out to potentially help us this season," Dolphins defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver said of Duck and Johnson last August. "However it shakes out, those kids should have zero regrets about the work they've put in thus far.'
While Duck went on to play 14 games in the 2025 season and even start three, Johnson spent his entire rookie year on the Dolphins practice squad. After a year of development, Johnson is ready for his second shot at the roster.
This article originally appeared on Dolphins Wire: 2nd-year CB Isaiah Johnson makes first highlight of Dolphins' OTAs
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