OLB, Montana


http://www.nfl.com/draft/2016/profiles/t...id=2556126



STRENGTHS Well defined and looks the part in the uniform. Rushes from up and down stances. Plays from a track stance on passing downs and has twitch upfield out of his stance. Able to get decent hip flip around the edge once he gains advantage. Has some bend and dip to his edge game. Tightens his rush track to quarterback when he gains early advantage on the tackle off the snap. Initial quickness and lateral agility give him blitz and twist potential. Has sneaking inside jump step as rusher.

WEAKNESSES Plays too tall at the point of attack and needs more bend to create leverage and power at the point. Would benefit from an authoritative punch. Rushes with a long stride. Struggled with power in one on one drills at the Shrine Game practices. Marginal play strength prevents him from playing through redirect blocks. When initial rush gets thwarted, relies on effort over counter moves. Edge-­setting strength is in question.

DRAFT PROJECTION Rounds 6 or 7

SOURCES TELL US "There are some snaps on tape that make me think he can make a roster and maybe become a player. You never really know about those small school guys until you get them in and see how they do against better competition." -- AFC West scout

NFL COMPARISON Travis Long

BOTTOM LINE Holmes has caught the eyes of the scouting community with his athletic build and high­-end rush production this season. While his pass rush lacks creativity and nuance, he does have an intriguing get-off and shows the ability to turn the corner against the competition he faced. Holmes had some moments at the Shrine Game practices, but is still a project who may end up stashed on a practice squad early in his career.

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