Phin Phanatic
FanSided

Three 2021 defensive draft prospects Miami Dolphins should avoid

By Timothy Rodriguez

MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 1: After recovering a fumble and running 78 yards for a touchdown Andrew Van Ginkel #43 poses for the TV camera with Nik Needham #40 and Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins against the Los Angeles Rams during second quarter action of an NFL game on November 1, 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) The Dolphins defeated the Rams 28-17.
MIAMI GARDENS, FL - NOVEMBER 1: After recovering a fumble and running 78 yards for a touchdown Andrew Van Ginkel #43 poses for the TV camera with Nik Needham #40 and Kyle Van Noy #53 of the Miami Dolphins against the Los Angeles Rams during second quarter action of an NFL game on November 1, 2020 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida. (Photo by Joel Auerbach/Getty Images) The Dolphins defeated the Rams 28-17. /
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PALO ALTO, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks makes and interception during a game between University of Oregon and Stanford Football at Stanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images).
PALO ALTO, CA – SEPTEMBER 21: Jevon Holland #8 of the Oregon Ducks makes and interception during a game between University of Oregon and Stanford Football at Stanford Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Palo Alto, California. (Photo by John Todd/ISI Photos/Getty Images). /

Jevon Holland, S, Oregon

The Dolphins safety room had an up and down 2020 season. Bobby McCain, who converted from slot corner to free safety in 2019, drew ire from fans in week two after giving up a long touchdown vs the Buffalo Bills that essentially ended the game. Eric Rowe, another converted cornerback, had a stellar season until two rough December games left a bad taste in everyone’s mouth.

Safety is a position that many have speculated needs upgrading. While the 2021 safety class is nowhere near as talented as the 2020 class, there are still some intriguing prospects. Florida State’s Hamsah Nasirildeen may be the leader of the crop with names such as Paris Ford, Andre Cisco, Jevon Holland many more behind him. Holland also opted out prior to the 2020 season

Games watched: Washington State (2019), Stanford (2019)

The Dolphins should be staying away from Holland for many different reasons than Shelvin. Shelvin is just simply not as good as his draft stock indicates. For Holland, it’s much more about fit. Holland’s game is all mental. He has excellent instincts and ball skills, but his athletic profile does not fit the other players that the Dolphins have made heavy investments in.

Whether it be paying Byron Jones and Xavien Howard or drafting Brandon Jones and Noah Igbinoghene in the top 70, the Dolphins value elite athletic traits in the secondary. They typically use smaller investments in defensive backs who aren’t high-level athletes. Think of the team-friendly extensions for Bobby McCain and Eric Rowe, or the undrafted signing of Nik Needham. Holland has the potential to be a good player but doesn’t match what Miami is building.

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