Phin Phanatic
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4 versatile safeties make the Miami Dolphins final 53 man roster

By Nick Belotto

Sep 20, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Eric Rowe (21) breaks up the pass intended for Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 20, 2020; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins safety Eric Rowe (21) breaks up the pass intended for Buffalo Bills tight end Dawson Knox (88) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports /
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The defensive side of the ball has been an area of strength for the Miami Dolphins over the last few seasons and should continue to be going into the 2021 season. With that being said, there were definitive areas in need of an upgrade.

Miami went into the draft with a subtle need at safety. Bobby McCain and Eric Rowe did a decent job last season at the starting spots, but there was some definite room for improvement. With McCain’s release, someone is going to need to step up to take the starting spot.

Here’s the Dolphins predicted depth chart at safety

Starter: Eric Rowe

Since coming over to the team from New England a few seasons ago, Rowe has proven to be one of the stronger contributors to this defense. Rowe has done a great job shutting down opposing tight ends in the middle of the field and is a reliable starter. He should easily keep his spot and continue to make an impact on defense.

Starter: Jevon Holland

With his second-round status, Holland was brought in to play early and often this upcoming year. With McCain’s release and Holland’s natural ball-hawking ability, I see Holland being an impact starter at the back end of this defense.

Miami’s safety corp brings a lot of talent and excitement to the 2021 season. Each player is versatile enough to see the field often, as well.

Backup: Brandon Jones

Even though he’s labeled as a backup, I expect Jones to see a lot of playing time this season. His role continued to expand as the season progressed and his versatility will allow him and projected starter Holland to get a lot of snaps on the field at the same time. The pairing of Jones and Holland may be Miami’s safety duo of the future, but for now, one of them has to come off the bench and I believe that to be Jones.

Backup: Jason McCourty

McCourty is another former Patriot joining his former coach in south beach. Jason may not have the same pedigree as his twin Devin, but he could be a solid backup for this unit going into the season.

Outside looking in

Clayton Fejedelem

Fejedelem probably won’t play a lot barring any injury and his contract is not guaranteed. He could be a solid contributor on special teams, however, but it may not be enough to keep him through next season.

Nate Holley

The second-year pro is a long shot to make the roster. Miami has too much money and draft capital invested into the position for Holley to supplant one of the other names on this list.

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