When the Miami Dolphins drafted Minkah Fitzpatrick, they did so with the idea that he would be a chess piece for their defense who could be the ultimate disrupter in the defensive backfield for a decade or more. That reality didn’t pan out for the team with Fitzpatrick, but it appears they got it right the second time around with safety Jevon Holland.
Since the Dolphins drafted Holland in the second round of the 2021 NFL Draft, he has been everything the team could have hoped for – and then some. He’s made plays at all levels of the Dolphins’ defense, and has quickly become one of the best young defensive players in the NFL, at least according to one NFL analyst.
Jordan Dajani of CBS Sports recently released his All-Under 25 defensive team, and the young Dolphins star is his first-team safety. It’s easy to see why when you look at the stats. Holland has accounted for five interceptions in his three seasons with the Dolphins, four sacks, seven tackles for loss, 21 passes defended, and well over 200 tackles.
While Holland has yet to make a Pro Bowl in his young career, that could change this season. Holland should thrive in the defensive scheme of new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver. Weaver previously served as the Baltimore Ravens’ defensive line coach and assistant head coach, on a team known for having stellar safety play over the years.
Additionally, Holland should be helped out by the addition of former Buffalo Bills safety Jordan Poyer. The combination of Holland and Poyer should allow each player to play to their strengths without having to cover for the deficiencies of the safety next to them. All of that should lead to another big season for the young Dolphins’ star safety.
