In 2021, safety Brandon Jones had an impressive five sacks for Miami. Then again, perhaps that wasn’t so great for him.

While with the Dolphins from 2020-23, Jones started just 30 of the 54 games he played. Last season, he started just six of the 16 games he got into and played 42% of the team’s defensive snaps.

Now, Jones is in his first season with the Broncos and has started all eight games while having played 90% of the defensive snaps. He is ranked by Pro Football Focus as the NFL’s sixth-best safety entering Sunday’s game at Baltimore.

With that in mind, why the heck wasn’t Jones used more by the Dolphins?

“Early in my career, I got labeled that I was only able to do certain things,’’ said Jones, a third-round pick by Miami in 2020 out of Texas. “I had a lot of blitzes, a lot of sacks and everybody was like, ‘He can just blitz,’ and a lot of that stuff.”

The Broncos, though, believed Jones could be an all-around safety. So after they released Justin Simmons last March, they made Jones their top initial target in free agency and got him on a three-year, $20 million contract.

Simmons, who was let go in a salary-related move that saved Denver $14.5 million on the cap, is now with Atlanta. He is rated as just the No. 42 safety in the league by Pro Football Focus.

“I feel like I’m playing well, honestly,’’ Jones said. “I’m having a lot of fun. I really enjoy being out there with all the guys. I love the scheme. I love the system.”

And the Broncos (5-3) have loved his versatility.

“I have the opportunity to be in the middle of the field a lot, being in man coverage, playing two high safeties,’’ Jones said. “I’m able to show people that I can do pretty much whatever I’m asked to do. I’m glad (I am) being able to branch out and be a safety that can do a lot of different things. I’m super excited the Broncos gave me this opportunity and I think I’m making the most of it.”

Something else new for Jones, 26, has been developing into a leader on defense. When Simmons, 30, was released after eight Denver season, there were questions about who would fill the leadership void.

“It definitely took a little time because I’ve always been a guy that led by example,’’ Jones said of becoming more of a leader. “And this is the first time in my career actually being seen as one of the vets. I think it’s crazy. It shows how young of a team we have. People think I’m a seasoned vet, but I’ve only been in the league five years. But sometimes it’s good to be uncomfortable, and I wanted to be able to advance (as a leader).”

All indications are that Jones has developed well in that role.

“Communication has been good,’’ Broncos coach Sean Payton said when asked about Jones. “Leadership, all of that stuff has gone well.”

Cornerback Pat Surtain II agrees. While he is Denver’s top defensive player, he is two years younger than Jones and entered the NFL a year after he did.

“He’s definitely a guy that’s came in with a veteran presence,’’ Surtain said. “He’s definitely brought leadership. He’s been a vital asset towards the team.”

Surtain has taken on more of a leadership role this season, but he’s a mild-mannered guy who hardly is a yeller. Then again, Jones also isn’t exactly a loud guy.

“As far as the meeting room, he’s not the most vocal guy,’’ Broncos defensive back Tanner McCalister said of Jones. “He’s similar to Pat although not as quiet. But his presence is definitely felt. If I have a question, I can go to him.”

On the field, Jones is often where the action is for a Broncos unit that is No. 3 in the NFL in both total and scoring defense. He leads the team with 61 tackles, and has had a career-high 12 stops in two of the past three games.

In a 26-7 win at Tampa Bay in Week 3, Jones had a 37-yard interception return and a 34-yard fumble return. On the third play in a 10-9 win at the New York Jets in Week 4, a Jones hit forced a fumble by wide receiver Garrett Wilson that Denver recovered.

“He plays with a lot of enthusiasm, a lot of energy, and he’s usually passing guys on the field because he’s running so fast,’’ said McCalister, who is now on the practice squad and has gotten into three games this season. “He flies to the ball, and when he makes a tackle it’s usually a big hit.”

Overall, Jones has been a big hit for the Broncos, especially after all the criticism the team faced following the release of Simmons.

“The sky is the limit for him,’’ Surtain said. “He’s got potential through the roof. I can’t wait to keep on building more and more games with him.”