With the NFL Draft just over three weeks away, the Miami Dolphins have some serious defensive needs to address, including landing a safety to shore up their defense.
Notre Dame’s Xavier Watts Could Be Perfect Fit for Dolphins
Xavier Watts is the safety from Notre Dame, who had 13 interceptions while at college.
Jevon Holland signed a three-year deal with the New York Giants, which left a big hole in that defense. He had five interceptions, five sacks, five forced fumbles, and 301 tackles over his 60-game NFL career with the Dolphins, who drafted him 36th overall in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Marcel Louis-Jacques laid out in an ESPN article what Miami needs, including a safety, obviously with Holland leaving, as well as a guard and a defensive lineman.
He noted that recently signed safeties, “Ifeatu Melifonwu and Ashtyn Davis, haven’t been full-time NFL starters, and they come with injury concerns.” Matt Miller and Jordan Reid added their thoughts to the same article, identifying Watts as someone who would exit the first round much like Holland did in 2021.
The Phinsider, A Miami Dolphins Community site, referenced one of Daniel Jeremiah’s mock drafts in which he said that Malaki Starks should go to the Dolphins at No. 13
“He would be a plug-and-play replacement for Jevon Holland, with the versatility to play as a high safety or nickelback,” Jeremiah said.
Starks started 13 games for the Georgia Bulldogs last year and recorded 77 tackles to lead his team. He was also a two-time First-Team All-SEC Safety.
KEEP READING: The Interception King of College Football Xavier Watts Eyes the 2025 NFL Draft
Jeremiah did not say the implications beyond the first pick, with Miami having 10 picks in this year’s draft.
The Dolphins also need a starting cornerback opposite Jalen Ramsey. The signing of James Daniels addresses the needs at guard. That still leaves one open guard spot, though, and it’s still up in the air whether Defensive Tackle Calais Campbell will stay in Miami.
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