2018 NFL Draft: Defensive end Jeff Holland looks to wow at next level

Defensive end Jeff Holland is looking to make some noise in the NFL. He might not be a first round pick in the 2018 NFL Draft, but his ceiling is sky high.

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Auburn’s Jeff Holland is kind of a wild card or sleeper in this year’s draft. He only had one full year as a starter at Auburn, however he made the best of it. He recorded 10 sacks and 13 tackles for loss for the SEC West champions last year. This year’s edge defender draft class appears to be weaker, but Holland appears to be one of, if not the best one in the bunch.

To go along with his sacks and tackles for loss, Holland had 45 total tackles last season and he forced four fumbles. In his first two years for the Tigers, he played a backup role, recording 26 tackles, five and half tackles for loss and three sacks across two seasons. After garnering first team all SEC honors last season, Holland decided to forego his senior year and turn to the pros.

Strengths

Holland plays physical and explosive off the edge. He has a good motor and does not stop until he is into the backfield, disrupting lanes. He makes good use of his hands with great technique, fighting off blockers and utilizes a good swipe move around them. As evidenced by his four forced fumbles, he likes to attack the ball and cause turnovers.

Weaknesses

Holland lacks lateral movement and has trouble in open field tackling situations. At Auburn, he was used mostly in pass rushing situations. In the NFL, he must learn to be more versatile to garner more playing time if he hopes of ever being a regular starter.

At only 6-foot-1, 249 pounds, Holland is not the prototypical pass rusher in the NFL. He may need to develop more of his pass rushing moves to really make an impact.  Since his skills as a pass rusher are limited, he probably should not be utilized in pass coverage situations.

Draft Expectations

Being a backup until his junior year, Holland was not well known until he turned in a great season with the Tigers. He has risen up draft boards as a result, however he is still lacking in some areas which will keep him from being drafted in the first two rounds.

Next: NFL Mock Draft 2018: Complete 7-Round projections

Holland projects to work in a 3-4 scheme where his talents would be better utilized. He certainly has enough positives and is worth a pick on Day 3 of the draft. However unless he retools his skill set, he figures to be a rotating specialist in the NFL, more so than an every down guy.

Projection: Middle of fourth round