Dolphins S Reshad Jones played only six games before injuring his shoulder last season. (Allen Eyestone/The Post)

DAVIE The chemistry with fellow safety Reshad Jones isnt what it needs to be, but its coming along, Nate Allen was saying. There was no panic in his voice because, after all, this is only May.

This is what OTAs are for, said Allen, who joined the Dolphins in free agency from Oakland.

Only a few minutes earlier Tuesday, Jones addressed the media and was equally calm about one of the more pressing matters concerning the Dolphins defense, but for one other reason: He has been through this before.

If its the offseason, theres a good chance the Dolphins are sorting out wholl be lining up alongside Jones at safety. Except for a brief spell of continuity with Chris Clemons early in his career, Jones has been on an endless quest to develop chemistry with safeties ranging from Louis Delmas to Jimmy Wilson to Michael Thomas, to name a few.

I know I had a lot, Jones said. But I didnt know it was eight.

Dolphins safety Nate Allen listens to a question during a news conference during OTAs on Tuesday. (AP Photo/Wilfredo Lee)

Injuries have played a huge role, wiping out both Jones and Isa Abdul-Quddus last year and ending Abdul-Quddus career.

That left an opening. In stepped Allen, who was taken 126 spots earlier than Jones in the 2010 draft, which is a blessing of sorts for the Dolphins. Playing the same position and having entered the league at the same time, theyve kept tabs on one another from afar.

We came out together, so I kind of knew him, Jones said. He knows ball.

Allen also knows Jones.

His play speaks for itself, Allen said. Hes who he is for a reason and hes the guy. He makes a lot of plays. Hes just a great playmaker. I could see it early and Ive watched him through the years. As Ive been in other places, Ive always watched him on tape. He stands out.

Jones made the Pro Bowl in 2015 and stood a good chance of repeating last season before a shoulder injury ended his season. From the sidelines, he watched his team qualify for the playoffs for the first time since he arrived.

It was kind of brutal for me, but I was happy for my guys, he said.

Having recently gained full medical clearance, Jones is confident hell regain top form.

I always felt like I was one of the best safeties in the league and I still feel that way, Jones said. Numbers dont lie. My numbers are top of the line of all of them.

Allen, who signed a one-year, $3.4 million deal, also believes hes 100 percent after suffering an MCL injury early in 2015 and serving as a backup with the Raiders last season. Allen said he feels comfortable, whether its at strong safety or free safety, in coverage or run support. Its largely a matter of developing an understanding with Jones.

I think were making good progress, Allen said. And its not just me and Reshad. Its the entire DB group. This is the first time Ive played with these guys and the first time a lot of us have played together, so everybodys just kind of feeling each other out.

Because once you get that chemistry in the back end, you can make it a beautiful thing.

The question is, how long will this tandem last? The Dolphins also added safety T.J. McDonald from the Rams, but hell miss the first half of the season for violating the leagues substance abuse policy.

I think we can be special, Jones said. Weve got the ball rolling in the right direction. We just have to continue to put the work in and make it happen.

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Miami Dolphins safeties Reshad Jones, Nate Allen aim for 'beautiful thing' called chemistry - Palm Beach Post (blog)