Denver Broncos rookie outside linebacker Justin Hollins signed his four-year contract, which included over $300,000 in guaranteed money.
The Denver Broncos announced they officially signed fifth-round pick Justin Hollins to his rookie contract on Twitter.
https://twitter.com/Broncos/status/1128394692473831424
Hollins is the second Broncos rookie to sign his four-year contract as the team is seemingly working in reverse order to get this class signed.
Juwann Winfree was the first rookie to sign his deal.
Hollins is an outside linebacker out of Oregon who is going to be splitting time between the edge position, inside linebacker, and obviously special teams where he will really cut his teeth in the NFL.
The 6-foot-5, 250-pound pass rusher ran a blazing 4.50 at the Scouting Combine and generally blew everyone away with his athletic ability. He was also the only player in all of college football last year with at least five sacks, five forced fumbles, and an interception.
This guy makes plays on the ball, and he looks good in orange and blue.
“He has the bend and he’s versatile and he picks things up so fast that we can take on that task with him."@justinhollins_ 'off to a good start' as he learns OLB, ILB positions » https://t.co/OaGuP7hBDp pic.twitter.com/0yNFfxZYNW
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) May 12, 2019
Although he was a fifth-round pick, Hollins is expected to have a pretty big role in Denver’s defense this year with the loss of former first-round pick Shane Ray and former UDFA star Shaquil Barrett.
Barrett signed with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and played a huge role for the Broncos as a backup edge player as well as a key special teamer.
There’s no question the team was looking to replace him specifically with this selection, but his role can be even more expansive.
Hollins will learn the inside linebacker position as well as play the edge, where he is more familiar, and the Broncos have to feel he can be a bit of a matchup player with the athleticism and fluidity to stick with faster tight ends and running backs in coverage.
Obviously he can get upfield in a hurry, but can Hollins play with his back to the line of scrimmage and cover guys like an Anthony Barr or Jamie Collins?
We shall soon find out.