The Miami Dolphins are starting a high-stakes search for Jevon Holland’s replacement, sparking intense rivalry for defensive excellence.

The Miami Dolphins are on the hunt for a new safety, and the stakes have never been higher. With Jevon Holland’s departure, the team faces a pivotal decision in their quest to secure a player capable of filling the void left by one of their most dynamic defensive leaders. Holland’s versatility, ball skills, and playmaking ability made him a cornerstone of the Dolphins’ defense. Now, with an ever-competitive AFC East, Miami must find a suitable replacement who can maintain the level of excellence that Holland brought to the secondary. This high-stakes search is not only about finding a replacement; it’s about ensuring the Dolphins’ defense remains elite in an increasingly offensive-oriented league.

The Departure of Jevon Holland

Jevon Holland was more than just a safety for the Miami Dolphins—he was a leader on the field, a versatile weapon who could disrupt passing lanes, shut down tight ends, and even provide solid run support. His ability to play both free and strong safety made him invaluable to defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s scheme. Over his tenure with the Dolphins, Holland established himself as a defensive playmaker, racking up interceptions, pass breakups, and forced fumbles while consistently making key stops in critical moments. His departure, whether due to free agency, a trade, or other factors, leaves the Dolphins in a difficult position.

The Search for a Replacement

The Miami Dolphins’ need for a new safety is about more than just replacing Holland’s production—it’s about maintaining the competitive edge of a defense that has shown great promise. The Dolphins’ defense has evolved into a high-pressure, aggressive unit under Fangio’s leadership, and a top-tier safety is crucial to keeping this defensive juggernaut intact. The safety position plays an essential role in today’s NFL, especially in a division as competitive as the AFC East, where quarterbacks like Josh Allen (Buffalo Bills), Tua Tagovailoa (Miami Dolphins), and Mac Jones (New England Patriots) are constantly pushing the limits of offensive innovation. A talented safety can be the difference between defending against explosive plays or watching a game slip away.

Miami’s search is complicated by the number of talented players at the safety position in the upcoming 2025 NFL Draft. With the 13th overall pick, the Dolphins are in a unique position to acquire a high-end safety who can make an immediate impact. However, there are several questions that the front office must consider: Should they target the best available player at the position, or should they look to draft a player who fits their scheme and defensive philosophy? And how do they balance this with the team’s other pressing needs?

The Importance of the Safety Position

To understand why replacing Holland is such a significant task, it’s important to first examine the role of the safety in today’s NFL. Safeties are often considered the last line of defense, tasked with preventing big plays, covering deep routes, and providing support in both pass and run defense. The best safeties can read the quarterback’s eyes, understand offensive schemes, and react quickly to situations on the field. Holland exemplified these traits. He was a playmaker who could thrive in zone coverage, read plays as they developed, and adjust to offensive formations and motions. His ability to play in both deep and short zones allowed the Dolphins to be flexible with their defensive schemes, adapting to various offensive threats.

Moreover, a safety must have exceptional communication skills, as they often serve as the quarterback of the secondary, ensuring that the defense is aligned correctly and making adjustments on the fly. They need to be athletic enough to cover ground quickly but also tough enough to step up in run defense or blitz when necessary. Holland was known for his leadership and ability to command the defensive backfield, and finding a player with similar intangibles is a crucial part of this search.

Potential Replacements: Top Safety Prospects in the 2025 NFL Draft

The 2025 NFL Draft boasts several safety prospects who could step in and immediately contribute to a team like the Dolphins. Given the team’s current standing and the depth at the safety position, it is highly likely that Miami will use one of their first-round picks to select a safety who can become a key figure in their defense for years to come.

1. Malaki Starks (Georgia)

Malaki Starks is widely regarded as the top safety prospect in the 2025 NFL Draft. His combination of size, athleticism, and football IQ makes him an ideal candidate to step into a starting role in the NFL. At 6’1” and 210 pounds, Starks possesses the physical tools to cover both wide receivers and tight ends. He is a versatile player who can excel in deep coverage, provide support in the box, and act as a quarterback of the secondary. His instincts and ability to read the quarterback’s eyes allow him to break on passes with incredible speed, making him a true ballhawk. Starks’ playmaking ability and leadership could be the perfect fit for a Miami defense that thrives on creating turnovers.

2. Nick Emmanwori (South Carolina)

Nick Emmanwori is a powerful, athletic safety who stands out for his versatility. He’s a player who can line up in both deep and box coverage, making him a potential hybrid safety-linebacker. Emmanwori is known for his physicality, making him a force in both the run game and in pass defense. He has a knack for covering tight ends and running backs out of the backfield, and his tackling ability is second to none. His aggressive playstyle would fit well in a defense like the Dolphins’, where pressure and versatility are key components of the scheme.

3. Xavier Watts (Notre Dame)

Xavier Watts is another safety who could be a perfect fit for the Dolphins. Known for his ball skills, Watts has demonstrated the ability to generate turnovers, recording 13 interceptions in the past two seasons alone. His ability to read plays and make plays on the ball would be invaluable in a Dolphins defense that thrives on capitalizing on mistakes. Watts is also a very capable tackler, able to provide run support when needed. His coverage instincts and ability to disrupt passing lanes make him a promising candidate to replace Holland and bring an added dimension to the secondary.

4. Andrew Mukuba (Texas)

Andrew Mukuba is another safety who stands out for his versatility. Capable of playing both free and strong safety, Mukuba has the ability to cover ground quickly and effectively. His skill set is well-suited for a defense that needs players who can handle multiple roles, as he can cover wide receivers downfield while also providing support in the run game. Mukuba’s leadership and intelligence on the field make him a player who can develop into a strong leader in the secondary, making him a valuable asset to any team.

5. Kevin Winston Jr. (Penn State)

Kevin Winston Jr. is a physical safety who excels in both run defense and coverage. Standing at 6’2” and weighing around 215 pounds, Winston Jr. is a strong, physical presence in the secondary. His tackling ability is exceptional, and he’s known for his hard-hitting style. While not as flashy as some other prospects, Winston Jr.’s consistency and reliability make him a solid option for the Dolphins. His experience in defending against both the run and the pass would make him a valuable addition to any secondary looking for a tough, dependable player.

Draft Strategy and Considerations

While the Dolphins are certainly in need of a safety, they must also consider their other roster needs. The offensive line remains a concern, and the team could look to add depth to that unit. The defensive line is another area that could use improvement, especially in terms of generating pressure on opposing quarterbacks. Additionally, the Dolphins could look to bolster their cornerback depth, particularly if they believe their current group lacks a top-tier lockdown corner.

With the 13th overall pick, the Dolphins will have a chance to select a top-tier safety if they choose to prioritize that position. However, it’s important to keep in mind that the draft is deep in talent at several key positions, and the team may opt to select the best available player regardless of position. This could result in the Dolphins addressing other needs first, perhaps taking a defensive lineman or offensive tackle before returning to the safety position in later rounds.

 The Future of the Dolphins’ Defense

Replacing Jevon Holland is no small task, but the Dolphins have the opportunity to secure a player who can not only replace Holland but potentially surpass him as a playmaker in the secondary. The 2025 NFL Draft is filled with talented safeties who offer a range of skills and abilities, from ball skills to physicality. Whether the Dolphins opt to select a player like Malaki Starks or Nick Emmanwori, or they look for a player with a different skill set like Xavier Watts or Andrew Mukuba, the key will be finding someone who fits their defensive scheme and can develop into a leader on the field.

In any case, the Dolphins’ success in their search for a new safety will have a significant impact on the future of their defense. With a talented roster already in place, adding the right safety could elevate the Dolphins to the next level, making them a true contender in the AFC.