The Miami Dolphins are moving second-year players Jason Marshall Jr. and Jonah Savaiinaea back to the positions they played in college. Marshall is set to work at boundary cornerback, while Savaiinaea will play right guard after starting his rookie season on the left side.
Coach Jeff Hafley said Marshall is better suited to play outside, a role Marshall said makes him more comfortable. He spent much of last season in the slot after Kader Kohou suffered a season-ending knee injury during training camp and the team decided veteran Mike Hilton would not remain on the roster.
Marshall had not played slot cornerback at Florida. He said the assignment still improved his run defense and gave him a broader understanding of the position. In 12 games last season, including one start, he played 242 defensive snaps and gave up 20 completions on 28 targets for 262 yards, two touchdowns and one interception, according to the report.
Marshall identified press coverage and recognizing various route combinations as areas where he needs to improve. He is expected to work with JuJu Brents and Chris Johnson when Miami uses three cornerbacks. Defensive backs coach Ryan Downard said Marshall has strong movement ability and coverage skills.
The Dolphins also added edge rusher Clelin Ferrell to the active group Saturday after elevating him from the practice squad. Miami has four edge players on its 53-man roster: starters Chop Robinson and Josh Uche, along with Robert Beal Jr. and Malik Herring. Ferrell joined the team July 27, has played in 98 NFL games with 57 starts and has 21 career sacks.
Beal and Herring have 2.5 sacks combined.
