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NFL Preview: 3 potential breakout stars from every AFC East squad

By David Ricuito

Sep 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2022; East Rutherford, New Jersey, USA; New York Jets running back Breece Hall (20) warms up before the game against the Baltimore Ravens at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 13, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 13, 2022; Miami Gardens, Florida, USA; Miami Dolphins linebacker Jaelan Phillips (15) takes the field prior to the game against the Cleveland Browns at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-USA TODAY Sports /

AFC East Team No. 4 — Miami Dolphins

SAF Jevon Holland

EDGE Jaelan Phillips

DT Christian Wilkins

After an impressive debut campaign, Jevon Holland did not take the leap some expected in 2022. Part of that could be due to Brandon Jones being injured and Holland having to play a different role than originally planned. Either way, new defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s defense has produced some great safeties, including Justin Simmons and Eddie Jackson. Holland could be next.

The Dolphins traded for and extended Bradley Chubb, but the other side of the defensive line could have an even better player. In 2022, Phillps recorded seven sacks, down from 8.5 in his rookie season. However, he saw a massive jump in PFF pass-rush grade (61.3 to 89.8). They credited him with 70 total pressures, versus only 39 as a rookie. If Phillips can keep up those pressure numbers, the sack total has to increase.

All of the other defensive tackles from the very impressive 2019 draft class have now been extended, except for Christian Wilkins. Quinnen Williams, Jeffery Simmons, Ed Oliver and Dexter Lawrence have all been paid. Wilkins has kind of been forgotten because of how well all those others have turned out, but he boasts steady improvement each season. In 2022, Wilkins saw career highs in his PFF defensive grade (85.1), run defense grade (81.0) and pass rush grade (72.5). With 2023 being a contract year, it would be a great time for Wilkins to fully break out.

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