Miami Media Meets Some New Dolphins Thursday

By: Jason Sarney

Some of the new Miami Dolphin additions met with South Florida media members via a Zoom call on Thursday afternoon and it was kicked off by cornerback free agent signing, Justin Coleman.

Coleman has six NFL seasons under his belt, most recently with Detroit and started his career in New England. Coleman introduced himself with confidence in his decision in team and destination when asked why he chose Miami. Coleman said, "I like these guys, I like this organization." He adds, "and also, location! This is a great location to be at!"

When talking about Miami defensive coordinator Josh Boyer and head coach Brian Flores, his ties with them from New England played in certainly. He calls them, and their defense in Miami, “relentless” as well as “determined.”

Coleman talks about the Miami cornerbacks highly, saying, “I think it is an extremely talented group, and it's going to raise the level of competition." Coleman then said, "Those guys are definitely going to create competition," as he made it clear he is there to play where the coaches want him to play and will simply work.

Coleman is ready to put past seasons in the rear-view mirror, and only look ahead, saying. "I don’t want to talk about what happened in 2020 because I want to look forward to 2021."

Coleman has four career interceptions, scoring twice and has forced and recovered four fumbles, with a touchdown return. He has 41 passes defenses in 79 career games.

Next up for Miami was a trade acquisition Benardrick McKinney from the Texans. A former Pro-Bowler in 2018, McKinney brings in inside presence to replace the departed Kyle Van Noy and Kamu Grugier-Hill. McKinney is a big-bodied backer, at 6’4’’ 257 lbs. When he was told he was heading to Miami, McKinney told reporters, "I am happy that the Dolphins organization has given me the opportunity to be here."

When describing his style of play, McKinney details his film studying and adds, "I just love playing defense. My style of the game, everybody knows I am a big backer, I am a downhill backer; I love to play physical."

McKinney is coming off of a shoulder injury, yet seems confident he is near 100%, saying, “I did my rehab. I am feeling great now.” I am comfortable, back to my old self.”

“Ready to get back to it!"

McKinney has 11.5 career sacks, and in his healthiest stretch in Houston from 2016-2019 he played in all but two games and averaged 107 total tackles a year in those seasons. McKinney should no-doubt help the pass-rushing linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel get to the quarterback.

Miami added speed at wide receiver in former Alabama product Robert Foster. The “road-runner” has he was nicknamed in college, is a guy who can help in a few ways for Miami and that may include special teams.

When asked about his role for the Dolphins, Foster said he is, “"trying to make the best of every opportunity given and contribute the best as I can.” In a similar sentiment to Coleman, Foster concluded by saying, "Miami was willing to give me an opportunity."

"I am glad to be here and ready to contribute the best I can in all phases of the game," he added.

Foster has a gaudy 20.1 career yards per catch average on his 32 receptions. 25 of those went for first downs.
Lastly, it was asked if a potential 40-yard dash challenge is in the cards against current Mi ami Dolphins, Jakeem Grant.

Foster said with a smile, “I am very familiar with Jakeem.”

Foster was non-committal on a potential race.