Byron Maxwell

In his first season with Miami, Maxwell had 53 tackles, 15 pass defenses, and two interceptions. He’s not shy about telling anyone who will listen that he is one of the best cornerbacks in the NFL but the truth is he’s a solid CB and the best Miami has. His job should be made easier with a solid pass rush that the team should be able to provide with Ndamukong Suh and Cameron Wake. If the Dolphins are to be a threat in the AFC this season than Maxwell and the entire secondary will need to take a big leap forward.

The Eagles payed Maxwell big bucks in the offseason. With that money comes responsibility, and the team will expect him to play like a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback. He recently told reporters that he feels he belongs in the same category as former teammate Richard Sherman, even though he has never started all 16 games in a season. He played well last year, picking up a pair of interceptions, 13 passes defensed and 45 tackles. The question becomes how his skills will translate when all eyes are on him.

A 2011 sixth-round pick, Maxwell went from third-stinger to Super Bowl starter thanks to injuries and suspensions. He proved just as effective Brandon Browner and Walter Thurmond, if not moreso. Opposite Richard Sherman, nearly every opponent's pass came Maxwell's way. But quarterbacks had a mere 47.8 passer rating when targeting him, second in the NFL to Sherman's 36.2. In his five starts last year, Maxwell had four interceptions. He has good size at 6-1, 207, and is fast with a 4.46 40. He's guaranteed to get picked on by quarterbacks again this year, giving him a good chance at more interceptions.