Denver Broncos: Jeff Holland getting his shot in a huge spot
The Denver Broncos’ youth movement continues against the Cleveland Browns, where Jeff Holland is getting a chance to play, finally.
The Denver Broncos’ youth movement is on this season, and it will continue into week 15 as the team takes on the Cleveland Browns. The Broncos released their inactive player list for Saturday’s game against Cleveland, and outside linebacker Jeff Holland wasn’t on it.
For the first time in 2018, Holland is set to play a role for the Broncos in regular season action. This comes on the heels of news that Shane Ray was being ‘benched’ for the first time this season.
Ray had one sack in 13 games and has been playing through a complicated wrist injury that pre-dates the 2017 season. The impending 2019 free agent has not played well since the 2016 season, and that can likely be attributed directly to the wrist injury he suffered prior to the 2017 season.
Holland has been working on the practice squad much of the season, and the Broncos called him up after Shaquil Barrett’s injury.
Coming out of Auburn, Holland was considered a mid-round draft pick by scouts and analysts and ended up going undrafted. The Broncos brought him in and after watching his 2017 tape at Auburn, it was shocking that he didn’t get picked among 250 players.
Holland impressed the coaching staff throughout the offseason and earned a spot on the practice squad to start the year.
More than anything, the Broncos need a consistent edge rush when Von Miller and Bradley Chubb need a breather. They aren’t getting interior pressure from anyone except Shelby Harris right now, though Derek Wolfe, Adam Gotsis, and Domata Peko do a great job against the run.
When Miller and Chubb need a break, Holland should be counted on to come in and give the Broncos some solid effort. Going up against a tackle pairing that is undoubtedly the weakness of the Cleveland offensive line, Holland can use his high motor and effort to create pressure and give the Broncos’ stars a chance to rest throughout the game.