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Tyrone Holmes, OLB/DE, Montana: 2016 NFL Draft Scouting Report

By Jonathan Gross

Jan 23, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; East Team running back Brandon Ross (25) runs with the ball as West Team defensive end Tyrone Holmes (91) defends during the second half of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. West Team beat the East Team 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Jan 23, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; East Team running back Brandon Ross (25) runs with the ball as West Team defensive end Tyrone Holmes (91) defends during the second half of the East-West Shrine Game at Tropicana Field. West Team beat the East Team 29-9. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /
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Montana has established itself as one of the premier programs in the FCS. In recent years, a large part of that has been due to the play of Tyrone Holmes. The versatile pass rusher was tops in the country in 2015 with 18 sacks and garnered the Defensive Player of the Year award. While he predominantly played defensive end in college, Holmes projects as a 3-4 outside linebacker at the next level.

Measurables

6-4

240 pounds

4.6 second 40-yard dash

36 inch vertical leap

Strengths

As mentioned earlier, Holmes led the nation in sacks in 2015. He has a relentless motor and a very quick first step, allowing him to get into the backfield in a matter of seconds. Not to mention, he is a sure-fire tackler once he reaches the quarterback.

The former Grizzly also has great size. His 6-4 frame allows him to deflect passes when blitzing and cut off potential throwing lanes. At 250 pounds, he is big enough to bump around with NFL linemen but slim enough to move well.

Check out the above video. It shows clips from his game against NDSU, the top opponent Montana faced last season. While Holmes struggle in that game, he did make a very nice play at the 1:37 mark.

Weaknesses

As with all FCS players, the question arises of whether they can compete against better competition. It remains to be seen, but it is certainly something scouts will keep in mind when they see Holmes’ impressive statistics.

Holmes also struggles after his first move is thwarted. He needs to develop a secondary move to get passed the offensive line.

Another question is if Holmes will be able to transition to linebacker. He has little experience in pass coverage or dropping back to play a zone defense.

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Outlook

NFL teams are always looking for versatile players. Holmes has the potential to develop into a solid player, but needs to improve on some aspects of his game.

Since he is so raw in some facets, expect Holmes to be taken in the seventh round or possibly an UDFA.

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