Camp battles: Brice McCain vs. Jamar Taylor at CB, and Koa Misi vs. Kelvin Sheppard at MLB

This was supposed to be the season Jamar Taylor finally won the Dolphins starting right cornerback job.

But now Brice McCain stands his way.

McCain, a seven-year veteran who played for Pittsburgh last year and was expected to replace Jimmy Wilson as the team’s slot corner, continues to impress Dolphins coaches.

He’s splitting time with Taylor outside and defensive coordinator Kevin Coyle today called it “a hotly contested battle.”

“It’s still up in the air and I don’t see that as a problem — I see that as a good situation,” Coyle said. “I feel confident if we played today and we put Koa in the middle, he’d be much improved over last year. And yet last year he was progressing at a pretty quick pace.

“Kelvin Sheppard has been one of the most impressive guys in training camp as far as I’m concerned in his ability to communicate, to take charge. I think the group looks at Kelvin as a leader, as a veteran. He is as hungry as any player out their on the field, wanting to play, wanting to perform.”

The middle linebacker competition will effect Chris McCain’s role with the team. If Misi starts inside, McCain will start on the strong-side. If Sheppard starts inside, Misi will move to the strong-side.

DolFan 316 wrote:Kelvin Sheppard possibly being a starter is a real thing. That should tell you all you need to know about this team right there, on so many levels.