Denver Broncos: 2019 Rookie report card at the bye week
Justin Hollins, LB
The Broncos took Oregon Ducks linebacker Justin Hollins in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft, and so far, he’s proven to be quite the versatile player on defense.
It’s hard coming into the NFL and playing just one position as a rookie, but Hollins has been counted on to play a variety of spots in Vic Fangio’s defense, albeit in limited playing time. He’s been a key piece of the Broncos’ special teams, however.
Playing 24 snaps against the Cleveland Browns, Hollins showed off his upper body strength with his first sack of the season and of his NFL career against Baker Mayfield.
He was held on this play, too, but it wasn’t called.
With Bradley Chubb out, Hollins could very well find himself playing a bigger role as the season progresses. He’s currently under 17 percent in terms of defensive snaps played this season, but that number could continually rise if he is able to get pressure on the quarterback with regularity.
This guy is a good-looking athlete with a lot of upside as a rusher and in coverage with his speed, we just haven’t seen it all put together consistently yet. The Browns game was a great sign.