Dolphins defensive back Jimmy Wilson isn’t playing it safe as he tries to earn a starting job.
The second-year safety continued to turn heads this week with his positioning and speed as he split reps on the first team with incumbent Chris Clemons. Wilson flashed his skills when he intercepted a deflected pass on Tuesday, equaling a goal-line interception by Clemons during the same session.
"Everyone is going to get a fair opportunity. You can't be complacent," Clemons told the South Florida Sun Sentinel. "That's one thing I've learned. You've got to come out here every day and ball."
Monday’s initial depth chart listed Clemons, a part-time starter since being drafted in the fifth round in 2009, first, followed by the rapidly rising Wilson. Clemons, who has been hampered by various groin and leg injuries throughout his career, missed the first few days of training camp with a lower-leg ailment, opening the door for Wilson who has continued reps.
Clemons has appeared in 39 games, starting 16, and has amassed 87 tackles, 1.5 sacks and one interception in his career. Wilson, a seventh-round pick out of Montana, is hoping to build on a rookie season in which he recorded 16 tackles, forced two fumbles and made an interception in 15 games.
But don’t think Clemons' experience gives him an edge. Both players need to learn the new defense being installed by first-year coordinator Kevin Coyle as he tries to turn around a unit that allowed 63 pass plays of 20 or more yards, third-most in the league.
"These players put in a lot of effort and a lot of time,” coach Joe Philbin told the newspaper. “[They] make a lot of sacrifices to put themselves in a position to compete for a job.”
For more up-to-the-minute news and analysis on the Miami Dolphins from blogger Dave Carey, follow @CBSSportsNFLMIA.
