With the 2020 NFL season over, teams are looking to improve their rosters for the upcoming season. For the Miami Dolphins, who finished 10-6 overall and just short of the playoffs, they are looking for key pieces that can push them over the hump and into the postseason.
Going into the 2021 NFL Draft the Dolphins would benefit from drafting a safety. Aside from Eric Rowe, Miami’s safety room has a lot left to be desired.
Jevon Holland, who has played two years for the University of Oregon, could find himself taken in the first or second round of this year’s draft. Many analysts said that Holland is a first-round draft pick, but it will come down to whether or not teams want to spend a valuable top pick on that position. Miami, who has multiple in the first and second round, could afford to do so. His stats through his two years show why many analysts believe he’ll be drafted first when it comes to safeties.
NAME: JEVON HOLLAND
POSITION: SAFETY
SCHOOL: UNIVERSITY OF OREGON
HEIGHT: 6’1’’
WEIGHT: 201 LBS
Holland an “Interception Machine” at Oregon
In his first year playing in the Pac-12, Holland appeared in 13 games where he was able to put up numbers defensively that showed his promise for his future career.
Holland racked up 31 solo tackles and 11 assisted tackles in 2018. He also caught five interceptions as a freshman, showing he could be an effective safety for the Ducks.
In his second season, Holland appeared in 14 games and did even more damage on the defensive side of the ball that helped cement him into the type of player NFL teams want.
Holland racked up 440 solo tackles and 26 assisted tackles, along with four INTs for 64 yards. One of those INTs he was able to return for a touchdown.
Miami Had No Safety Stand Out in 2020-21, Used Committee
Looking at the production the Dolphins got from their safeties last season, no one stood out. Clayton Fejedelem was on the solo end of six tackles and assisted on four more in 13 appearances. Kavon Frazier was another that did not have the strongest season, but did contribute to an extent. In and out of 15 games, Frazier had six total tackles. Five of them were solo tackles and one of them was assisted.
Holland Could Be First-Year Starter for Dolphins
Holland should be able to come into Miami and be a first-year starter. He has good speed and explosiveness as a safety. That in turn helps him change directions on the field with little to no problems at all. The biggest trait Holland brings to the table, based off of his play at Oregon, is his instincts. He can find his attack angles very well, and he has the ability to break blocks to create big tackles for his defense despite being smaller than other defenders on the field.
Holland’s Current Size Could Be an Issue
Spectators that have followed Holland’s career can agree that he is a good pass defender, but there is still room for him to improve. He can add more to his frame and size. Where he is at right now, Holland would not be able to thrive as a safety in the NFL as much because larger blockers would be able to handle him easily.
While he would engage in different press coverage situations, if blockers wrapped him up quickly, open space for opposing receivers would be created quickly giving the other team the opportunity to create big plays that could result in potential points.
The safety position was one the Dolphins were not the absolutely best in and most likely saw it as more of a collective effort from the Dolphins in 2020-21. Holland, based off of his performance at Oregon, can be that guy that could take the safety department in a more positive direction and provide more stability.
Editor’s Note: Highlights of Jevon Holland can be found on Pro Football Network and YouTube.
– Daniel Roberts is a Sports Contributor for Full Press Coverage Miami Dolphins. Like and follow on Follow @dantheman1892 Follow @FPC_Dolphins and Facebook.
