The safety group heading into training camp for the Miami Dolphins will have a new identity. Only safety Jevon Holland and defensive back Elijah Campbell return to the room from the 2023 team. More experience now has entered the picture with veteran help coming from free agency to add to an already impressive defense to open camp.
Pro-Bowlers, rookies, and guys just trying to make the bubble of the 53-man roster make up this position group. However, it is possible that all six defensive-skilled players in the group can go through camp unscathed from any roster cuts.
Miami Dolphins 2024 Training Camp Preview: Safety
Holland Can Lead the Group Early
Miami’s second-round pick from the 2021 NFL Draft has been a pillar piece in the Dolphins’ development as a contender. Holland, through three seasons in Miami, has progressed each year as a starting safety. The 24-year-old finished last season with 66 total tackles, four passes defended, a forced fumble, and one interception.
Even though it may have not been a jump from his 2022 season, where Holland had a career-high 85 total tackles, the performance showed he can be someone the Dolphins can rely on. The defense has already experienced change in almost every position. The Oregon alum will be a rare comfort spot as a returnee. Potentially, Holland could also be a candidate for a defensive captain title this year.
Holland mostly played deep down the field in coverage throughout his career. Entering his fourth year with new defensive coordinator Anthony Weaver, the starting safety could be moved around. Weaver was well known for doing this last season with the Baltimore Ravens.
The Second-Most NFL Experienced Dolphin May Be the Best Safety in Camp
Miami signed 12-year veteran safety Jordan Poyer to a short, one-year, $2 million contract this summer in free agency. The move is a huge grab for the Dolphins as they pried into their division rival Buffalo Bills’ roster dismantle after last season. The Bills lost many All-NFL caliber players, including wide receiver Stefon Diggs and, of course, Poyer.
Poyer spent the last seven years in Buffalo, but never saw deep playoff success. Besides an appearance in the 2021 AFC Championship game, the safety is still searching for a chance at a Super Bowl late in his career. Before the Bills, Poyer played four seasons with the Cleveland Browns and one with the Philadelphia Eagles his rookie season in 2013.
Still, Poyner’s NFL resume is imposing compared to anyone else on Miami’s training camp roster. The 33-year-old safety produced 723 total tackles, defended against 54 passes, intercepted 24 passes, and sacked quarterbacks 12 times through 155 career games.
Poyner is favored to take up the strong safety position and work beside Holland in the secondary this season. He may not be as athletic as he used to be, but the seasoned Poyner will be a centerpiece communicator and run-stopper on defense.
Maye’s Role on Defense Will Be Revealed in Camp
Safety Marcus Maye is another veteran presence in the group joining from free agency. The seven-year veteran signed onto a one-year, $1.37 million deal after two seasons with the New Orleans Saints. Maye had 27 total tackles, two interceptions, a sack and started in all seven games played in 2023. His season was cut short due to a shoulder injury.
Maye can be a solid third-string safety on this roster, but it will be a question as to how Weaver will use him this season. The safety’s physical attributes are one of his strongest advantages over opponents on gameday. Maye, a six-footer weighing at 207 lbs, has mostly been used against the run instead of in coverage. That can change in camp.
Campbell Sealed at Dual Backup on Defense
Campbell joined Miami originally off waivers from the New York Jets in 2021. Since then, the 5-foot-11-inch defensive back has been a Swiss army knife in the secondary. Campbell, for the Dolphins, has played both safety and cornerback throughout the past three seasons.
The versatile defensive player is expected to continue this role in training camp. Campbell, a former undrafted rookie free agent, will have to use this role to his advantage. Even though he’s an influential backup at this position, there’s still no guarantee on his role under Weaver and with two rookies trying to make the cut.
Rookies on the Edge of the Roster, Position Group
Dolphins’ rookie safeties Patrick McMorris and Jordan Colbert enter camp with uncertainties. A majority of the current safeties in camp this year all have some level of NFL experience. On a roster that is already branded with high expectations out of the AFC East, it’ll be hard for the rookies to make the regular season cut.
McMorris, Miami’s sixth-round draft choice in the 2024 NFL Draft, from the University of California is a well disciplined safety in zone coverage, but is an average, or below average, safety from his draft class, according to NFL Analyst Lance Zierlien. His best option would be on special teams if he’s unable to impress out of the gate of camp.
Colbert, an undrafted rookie free agent from Rhode Island, had great numbers in his last collegiate season in 2023. He finished the year with 41 tackles, two interceptions, and defended three passes. However, like most undrafted rookies, Colbert is at a disadvantage. The 6-foot-2-inch rookie will fight for special team reps all preseason to make the cut or the practice squad.
Main Image: Sam Navarro – USA Today Sports
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