Denver Broncos: UDFA Jeff Holland was a steal
The Denver Broncos signed Auburn edge rusher Jeff Holland as an undrafted free agent, and he looks like an absolute steal…
The Denver Broncos put together an incredible draft class in the 2018 NFL Draft, but they weren’t finished after the 256 selections over seven rounds.
In addition to a 10-player draft class that many are regarding as the best in the NFL, the Broncos went out after the draft and put together a class of eight undrafted free agents that includes former Auburn edge rusher Jeff Holland.
Holland was a first-team All-American selection by SI.com, and a first team All-SEC selection as voted by coaches and media.
He was second in the SEC with 10 sacks last season, and had 22 quarterback pressures along with four forced fumbles.
At the 2018 Scouting Combine, he had a respectable 4.79 second 40-yard dash and checked in at 6-foot-2, 249 pounds with 33.5-inch arms.
Why in the world did this guy go undrafted? The production didn’t happen by accident, either.
According to Mike Klis, Holland was given the highest signing bonus of any defensive player the Broncos signed as an undrafted player at $15,000. Last year, Jamal Carter was given a $20,000 signing bonus and ended up making the team.
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The Broncos have a long history of players who have been able to crack the opening day roster as undrafted players, and my guess is that Holland will make it very difficult for the Broncos to try and put him through waivers to get onto the practice squad when all is said and done.
Holland’s long arms allowed him to force four fumbles this past season and wreak havoc on the rest of the SEC. He had just one year of big production at Auburn and left school after three years, and the gamble didn’t really pay off in terms of draft status.
Now, Holland faces a bit of an uphill climb to make an NFL roster, but if he keeps doing what he’s capable of as a pass rusher, the Broncnos will have no choice but to find a place for him.
This signing reminds me a little bit of the Shaquil Barrett signing back in 2014. I remember watching Barrett’s game tape and trying to figure out how he wasn’t drafted. He showed rare pass rush skills at Colorado State, and he’s proven to be a very good all-around edge player in the NFL.
Holland seems to have similar potential as an edge player. He’s good in the running game and obviously as a rusher, he’s excellent and causes a lot of problems.
This should be a great signing for the Broncos.