Alterraun Verner sees a “playoff team” in Miami

The Miami Dolphins added Alterraun Verner to their squad shortly after putting linebacker Koa Misi on injured reserve.
Verner is an interesting talent. A former http://www.officialpanthersstore.com/shop-by-players-ryan-delaire-jersey-c-9_81.html Pro-Bowl player with the Tennessee Titans, Verner left the Titans after four seasons and joined the Tampa Buccaneers as a free agent. Drafted in the 4th round of the 2010 draft, Verner has played well in his career but after joining the Buc’s his play quickly declined.
His first two seasons with the Buc’s didn’t go well but many believe that had more to do with him not fitting into the Lovie Smith scheme. Last season he improved considerably under Dirk Koetter. On Thursday, Verner practiced for the first time with his new team.
It’s assumed that Verner will compete with Bobby McCain primarily as the teams slot corner. Xavien Howard and Byron Maxwell have the outsides handled but McCain hasn’t stepped up to the level that the Dolphins had hoped to see. It’s a camp competition to keep an eye on for sure.
The Dolphins typically keep between six and eight corners depending on special teams needs. This includes both corners and safeties. Last season the Dolphins kept nine total including four safeties and five corners. This means that there will be a tight battle at the position this off-season. Keep an eye out later for a review of this camp battle.
Following yesterday’s practice Verner spoke with the media and answered their questions. He says he sees a “playoff team” in Miami but as has been speculated, can Miami repeat as a playoff team in 2017? Expectations are high.
Thursday, July 27, 2017
CB Alterraun Verner
(What was it about the Dolphins that you thought was a good opportunity for you?) – “One, a playoff team. They’ve been to the playoffs. It seems like they have a young nucleus and are building towards something. And just the atmosphere around here when I walked in – the competitiveness, the fire and everything. It just seemed like a good fit, a good time to compete and try to help out.”
(Had they reached out to you and your agent a while ago or was this just a recent thing where the first time you heard from them was in http://www.officialpatriotsonline.com/shop-by-players-danny-amendola-jersey-c-2_14.html the last week or so?) – “I think they’ve been in communication. The first time I worked out was obviously when I did a couple of days ago. The rest just led to here.”
(Do you still think you’re the guy who was a Pro Bowl player three years ago? Those skills are still in you I assume, no?) – “No question. Things happen. I’m not here to put blame or excuses on anything; but yes, I’m only 28. If anything, I’m entering my prime and I’m better than what I was at that time. That’s the way I look at it. I got better and I definitely didn’t get worse.”
(How would you describe your on-field strengths? What are you best at?) – “I think just making plays on the ball. That’s something I’ve always taken pride in. Even in college, just getting my hands on the ball whether that’s getting an interception or batting a ball down, and just communicating and making tackles and things like that. I’ve always considered myself an all-around corner to do it all. To me, that’s my strength, that I can be used in so many ways and be effective for the team.”
(In Tampa, you were a standup guy in the locker room and always being a leader. What is that like to have a refreshing approach coming into this situation?) – “I guess with it being fresh – no pun intended – it’s just refreshing. It’s refreshing to have a clean slate again and work your way back up. I’ve been telling people, I feel like a rookie again, coming in here and just learning a new system, new playbook and new team. But it’s exciting. It’s exciting to get a helmet back on and just to do some football things. It’s more exciting and I’m ready to go.”
(What have you been told relative to opportunity to compete for a starting spot and all of that?) – “They just preach competition in all facets. They said just go out there and compete and then my play will speak for myself on John Miller Authentic Jersey where they’re going to put me. I think they’re going to use me in many different areas and wherever they put me at, that’s where I’m going to compete and try to work hard and see some snaps and get on the field. It’s definitely competition. I saw it from the first day today. Competition brings out the best in people and I experienced that all through my seven years (in the NFL).”