Miami Dolphins

Dolphins CB Jamar Taylor gets the starting nod over Brice McCain

Published Aug. 14, 2015 9:04 a.m. ET

foxsports

Heading into the Miami Dolphins' first preseason game, it was unclear who would get the nod as the starting cornerback next to Brent Grimes.

On Thursday night, the Dolphins opened with five defensive backs, but in the base defense, Jamar Taylor was the starter. Brice McCain was pegged as the nickel back, a role he's more suited to play with his smaller build.

Taylor played well in his time on the field, although he was only targeted once by Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler.

It's still relatively early in the battle between McCain and Taylor, and it's going to continue throughout the preseason. But with Taylor getting the early nod in game one, it seems as though he's on track to be the starter.

Taylor is entering his third season in the league after starting three games for the Dolphins in year two. He has yet to record an interception or pass deflection, but that should change in 2015. He's a breakout candidate on the Dolphins defense.

(h/t Miami Herald)