Pass rush was a quiet need for the Denver Broncos and they bolstered that with the addition of Oregon pass rusher Justin Hollins.
During free agency, the Denver Broncos lost Shaquil Barrett to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Shane Ray is still a free agent.
The depth at outside linebacker had to be addressed in the 2019 NFL Draft. The selection of Justin Hollins out of Oregon is not surprising given they brought him in for a pre-draft visit.
Hollins has been a team captain which continues to be a trend this year with the draft picks in 2019. Noah Fant, Dalton Risner, and Drew Lock were also captains on their respective teams.
Hollins is a very twitchy athlete. According to John Elway, he can see time as an inside linebacker. Maybe in some certain packages, but Hollins adds explosion on the edge.
He is a twitchy player who can create situations for himself in a variety of ways. Initially, look for Hollins to contribute on special teams. Special teams is often overlooked, but it is how players make rosters or make a first impression. Hollins will see time there first to make it work.
The pass rush will now consist of Von Miller, Bradley Chubb, Jeff Holland, and now Justin Hollins. This does not exclude pass rush from the interior. Recent addition Dre’Mont Jones adds to versatility on the outside and inside of the defensive line. Solid depth now on the defense.
With my comments aside, what are experts saying about Justin Hollins?
Justin Hollins is a forced fumble specialist (like Shaq Barrett was coming out of CSU). twitchy athlete who can get pressure from the outside. senior captain, a player DEN brought out for a visit (like every pick so far this year) #Broncos #NFLDraft @1043TheFan
— Cecil Lammey (@CecilLammey) April 27, 2019
Justin Hollins is a very interesting player. Fascinated to see what Vic Fangio does with him. Juilan Peterson lite who can do everything from rush the passer to cover slot. Needs to be more aggressive, but off the charts for his size.
— Doug Farrar ✍ (@NFL_DougFarrar) April 27, 2019
I think Justin Hollins is going to be one of those guys who will become a really good player in the NFL that everyone in 5 years goes 'what, where did he play? I don't remember him in college at all.' Dude's best years are still way ahead of him.
— Matt Prehm (@MattPrehm) April 27, 2019
Our fifth-round pick, Justin Hollins from Oregon, is a big and athletic linebacker who can play inside and outside. His athleticism also will help us on special teams. pic.twitter.com/zPYJWUExNT
— John Elway (@johnelway) April 27, 2019
The Denver Broncos have now drafted five players, and all five guys came to town for pre-draft visits. Should we be putting more stock in that going forward, or did the Broncos simply bring more guys they had highly ranked into town for visits?
This draft has been fascinating, to say the least.