NFL Personnel Director Claims NY Giants Safety Jevon Holland “Drastically” Regressed

An unnamed NFL personnel director criticized New York Giants safety Jevon Holland's performance, despite his recent three-year, $45.3 million contract ($15.1 million annually). The director, speaking to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, argued that Holland "drastically regressed last year" in a contract year, calling it shocking for a young player. This criticism referenced Holland's 2023 season with the Miami Dolphins, where he posted a career-low 62 total tackles in 15 games, along with only two tackles for loss and two quarterback hits—his second-lowest totals in those categories—despite playing 91% of defensive snaps.

The article questions whether this perceived regression stemmed from Holland's deployment in Miami's defense rather than a decline in ability. Holland has played under three different defensive coordinators since entering the league in 2021. Under Brian Flores and Josh Boyer in 2021-2022, he blitzed a career-high 51 times, resulting in career-best pressures (8) and sacks (2.5). However, in 2023 under Vic Fangio and later Anthony Weaver, his coverage ratings improved significantly (dropping below 100 in both seasons), but his blitzing decreased to 17 times in 2024 with minimal impact. The varying schemes and roles assigned by each coordinator suggest external factors may have influenced his statistical output.

The piece concludes that multiple reasons, including these defensive system changes beyond Holland's control, could explain his lower production. It suggests that with new Giants defensive coordinator Shane Bowen, Holland might regain his earlier form, reminiscent of his All-Rookie season in 2021.