Dolphins’ Nik Needham Embraces Versatility: Ready to Play Any Position in Secondary…
The Miami Dolphins are shuffling their secondary as new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver assesses the team’s strengths and weaknesses. Nik Needham, who has spent most of his five-year career alternating between boundary and slot cornerback, is prepared to step into the safety role if needed.
“It’s not too different right now because a few years ago when Jevon [Holland] and Brandon [Jones] were injured, I stepped in and played safety,” Needham explained about practicing at both safety and nickel cornerback. “That was my first time really playing it, so now it’s just a matter of revisiting old notes and talking to Jevon and Jordan [Poyer]—two of the best safeties. And then nickel, that’s just football to me. Transitioning from corner to nickel has never been an issue.”
At 27, Needham played over 400 snaps at slot cornerback in 2020 and 2021, breaking up eight passes, intercepting four, and allowing only three touchdowns in 23 games. In 2022, he moved outside and started five games before tearing his Achilles tendon against the Minnesota Vikings.
Former defensive coordinator Vic Fangio had hinted at Needham’s cross-training, though 56 of his 72 snaps last season were at slot cornerback. Opposing receivers caught six of eight targets against him but averaged only 7.3 yards per reception.
“At corner, it’s about your physical abilities,” Needham said. It’s one-on-one against the guy in front of you. When you move to safety, you control the whole defense, positioning players and making situational decisions.
“I think that’s the hardest part, but I feel capable and versatile enough to handle the workload and play corner, safety, nickel, linebacker—whatever they need me to play, I’m ready.”