Cornerback Ethan Bonner steps up and steals the spotlight at Miami Dolphins training camp

Cornerback Ethan Bonner saw limited action last year as an undrafted rookie out of Stanford but things are slowing down entering his sophomore season. With the Miami Dolphins desperate for depth behind Jalen Ramsey and Kendall Fuller, Bonner hopes to earn the trust of first-year defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver and the coaching staff.

“I just want to be the best player I can be,” Bonner said on Monday. “I’ve gained a little confidence, I think I deserve to be here. At the end of the day, I do want to be on the field, I want to play.”

Second-year cornerback Cam Smith left practice early Sunday and didn’t practice Monday, opening opportunities for Bonner to line up against Tyreek Hill and showcase his speed in blitz packages.

“Man, [Ethan] Bonner probably has had like the craziest jump from I think any player from last year, in my opinion,” wide receiver Jaylen Waddle said Monday. “He just seems like a totally different player out there. He’s more patient at the line. Maybe it’s just a year under his belt. His patience, he’s using his long arms.

“He obviously knows he can run, so he can stay hip-to-hip with anyone and he’s playing with a lot of confidence out there. I tell ‘EB’ every day, ‘You’re getting us better.’”

At 6’1, 186 pounds, Bonner has the size and speed to play outside or in the slot. Originally a 2-star recruit, his final season at Stanford featured 29 tackles and five pass breakups.

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He spent most of his rookie season on the practice squad but made his NFL debut in Week 15 against the New York Jets. Despite playing just 12 snaps, he was targetted twice in coverage but didn’t allow a reception, according to PFF. He allowed one reception for seven yards while playing 11 defensive snaps in Miami’s playoff loss to the Kansas City Chiefs.

With three preseason games still ahead, Bonner is beginning to take control of his opportunity, but maintaining this momentum will be crucial. If he can keep showcasing his skills and building trust with the coaching staff, he has the potential to secure a spot on the 53-man roster.