Miami Dolphins safety Jevon Holland had a solid rookie season in the 2021 campaign, and NFL executives believe that he could have a breakout season in 2022.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, Holland was among players “creating buzz” to take a major step forward in the 2022 season.
“Also creating buzz: Pat Freiermuth ([Pittsburgh] Steelers); Daron Payne ([Washington] Commanders); Jevon Holland (Dolphins),” Fowler wrote.
Dolphins fans have to be excited about Holland’s perception around the rest of the NFL, especially since he is the anchor of the team’s impressive secondary that features Xavien Howard and Byron Jones.
Holland appeared in 16 games for the Dolphins as a rookie, making 13 starts. He picked up 69 tackles, three tackles for loss, seven quarterback hits, three fumble recoveries and two interceptions.
Once he was inserted into the starting lineup, Holland made a major impact for Miami in 2021. Holland had five or more combined tackles in 10 of his last 12 games of the season, and he recorded 2.5 sacks over that stretch as well.
The Dolphins clearly expect big things from Holland as well, as he was named a captain for the 2022 season.
https://twitter.com/HollywoodVon/status/1565741411600941056
NFL executives really believe in Holland as a breakout candidate, as NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that executives love his “closing speed” and “intelligence.”
#Dolphins 2nd-year safety Jevon Holland is set for a massive breakout season in South Beach! 🐬 @HollywoodVon pic.twitter.com/TrXfQZuTbK
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) September 2, 2022
Schultz compared Holland to Ed Reed, Troy Polamalu and Bob Sanders. All three of those players were elite safeties in their NFL careers.
The Dolphins are hoping that Holland can help lead them to the playoffs in the 2022 season by cleaning up the team’s defense at the safety position. Miami has a new coaching regime with Mike McDaniel taking over, and the team has been close to making the postseason in each of the last two seasons.
While a lot of the focus on the Dolphins this offseason has gone to their offense and acquisitions like Tyreek Hill, Holland and the defense could be the key for the team making the postseason in the AFC.
