Tyrone Holmes, Montana, DE: 2016 NFL Draft Profile

Tyrone Holmes

College: Montana

Position: Linebacker

Height/Weight: 6-4/250

College Stats: 224 tackles, 34.5 sacks, 47 tackles for loss.

A native of Eagle Point, Oregon, Tyrone Holmes has pieced together an impressive career at FCS powerhouse Montana. Holmes was a multi-spot star in high school with basketball and track being his other sports of choice. Holmes showed versatility in track and field in winning the shot put crown and placing in the top four in the high hurdles event.

From the beginning of his time at Montana, it was clear that he would be an impact player. He finished his true freshman season with 24 tackles and five sacks. His numbers improved to 37 tackles in 2013 and honorable mention All-Big Sky honors. Holmes jumped to 66 tackles, 14 tackles for loss, and 7.5 sacks as a junior and honorable mention All-Big Sky honors yet again. Holmes turned into the most dominant player at the FCS level as a senior with 87 tackles, 21.5 tackles for loss, and 18 sacks in route to winning one of the National FCS Defensive Player of the Year awards.

Pros:

At 6-4, 250 pounds, Holmes definitely looks the part of a defensive end/outside linebacker prospect. He is able to rush with a hand on the ground or from a standing position very effectively. His quickness off the ball is a nice weapon that he can use to catch offensive tackles off guard.

Holmes is not a one trick pony with only an outside move. He can bait tackles into going outside, but rushing inside with a quick move. He looked very impressive at certain moments of Shrine Bowl practices.

Cons:

For a player with his impressive frame, Holmes does not play with the strength he needs. He tends to come off the ball a bit too high, giving the lineman across from him a nice big target to hit. Holmes has struggled in the past versus powerful tackles, sometimes getting lost at the line of scrimmage.

For all of his production, Holmes is a raw player that will need some time to refine his game for the NFL.

Where will Holmes get drafted?

Despite being a project player at the NFL level, Holmes has the physical characteristics that teams love out of a pass rusher. He will drop a bit because he does not project to play much in his first season at the NFL level.

My prediction is that Holmes will get drafted by the the Tennessee Titans with the #222 pick of the seventh round.