NFL exec explains why key Dolphins starter is better than everyone else at what he does
Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland has proven to be one of the better safeties in the NFL across his first three seasons in the league. However, to date, what has eluded him is that big, breakout season, along with the accompanying personal accolades to go with it. Still, that hasn't stopped a number of current […]
Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland has proven to be one of the better safeties in the NFL across his first three seasons in the league. However, to date, what has eluded him is that big, breakout season, along with the accompanying personal accolades to go with it.
Still, that hasn't stopped a number of current NFL executives, coaches, and scouts from voting him as one of the top five safeties in the NFL. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler took input and votes from several of each and formed a list of the 10 best safeties in the league. Holland came in fifth.
"Holland has registered a top-five finish in back-to-back years thanks to his impressive savvy and instincts.
The ball production isn't elite, with five interceptions and 21 pass deflections in three seasons. He's going on his third defensive coordinator in three years, but he publicly expressed happiness with new coordinator Anthony Weaver, who perhaps can unlock a signature season from Holland.
'He's got versatility to play the post, match up in man coverage, blitz and is still young and ascending,' said an AFC executive about why Holland is his No. 1 safety. 'And he's got added value with return ability.'
Holland had 16 punt returns for 110 yards in his first two seasons, and he's returned 163 yards off his five career interceptions."
Holland indeed gives the Dolphins a level of flexibility to switch their coverages up that few other defenses enjoy. He’s been strong in coverage over his career, posting PFF marks of 87.7, 65.9, and 89.9 in 2021, 2022, and 2023, respectively.
However, despite his overall success defending the pass, he hasn’t come up with enough of the impact plays and statistics that typically come with Pro Bowl and All-Pro honors. Through 45 career games, Holland generated 4 interceptions, 4 forced fumbles, and 4 fumble recoveries.
If Holland can notch more of those this season in his first year in Anthony Weaver's system, then perhaps he could find himself receiving some of those honors he's been denied this far – aka Pro Bowl and All-Pro teams – once those are announced late in the season. If not, he's still shown that he's among the best all-around safeties in the entire NFL.
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