DeVonte Holloman’s (above, left) coverage ability will appeal to a number of NFL teams (Photo: mycharlestononline.com)
DraftBrowns.com Staff Writer: Justin Higdon
When linebackers come up in pre-draft conversations related to the Cleveland Browns, the focus is almost exclusively on pass rushing prospects like Dion Jordan or Barkevious Mingo. However, it appears more likely each day that Jordan won’t be around when the Browns are on the clock with the sixth overall pick, and that the franchise is exploring every possible way to trade back. Having signed Paul Kruger and Quentin Groves, perhaps linebacker is a position the Browns feel they can address later in the draft. South Carolina linebacker DeVonte Holloman is not the typical prospect people associate with Cleveland’s new defense, but his versatility and potential could make him an intriguing Day Three option.
DeVonte Holloman South Carolina 6’1 1/2” 246
Holloman played in every game, and started two as a freshman safety for the Gamecocks. In four seasons in South Carolina, he played in 51 of his team’s 53 games. As a junior, Holloman split time at strong safety and “spur” – a hybrid linebacker/safety position – before moving to “spur” full-time in 2012. His senior season was his best. He tallied eight tackles for loss, forced two fumbles, intercepted three passes, and recorded his first two sacks as a collegian. His efforts earned him invitations to the East-West Shrine Game and the NFL scouting combine.
On the field, Holloman is more adept in coverage – even down the field – than many of the more touted safeties in the class. He diagnoses plays quickly, breaks well on the ball, and looks natural catching the ball. He has soft hands and can make the difficult play. Holloman’s coverage ability will serve him well against offenses that rely heavily on the tight end.
Holloman recognizes rushing plays quickly. He knows when to stay at home and he gives excellent effort in pursuit of plays away from him. Holloman has enough speed to get sideline to sideline, and shows good form on his tackles. He could stand to get a little bit stronger in terms of shedding block, but he is a solid run defender overall. In the rare instances in which Holloman was used on blitzes he was effective in applying pressure. Some NFL teams may see more pass rushing potential in him down the road.
Holloman is a smart, versatile, durable football player. It is a bit surprising that he has not been getting more buzz, especially with all of the current focus on finding players who can cover big receiving tight ends. Holloman is projected by many to be drafted some time in the fourth or fifth round, but it would not be surprising to see a team that quietly likes him enough to draft him as early as round two.
Game Notes:
Vs. Kentucky (’12)
- Able to cover downfield.
- Reads and reacts quickly.
- Good effort trailing the play.
- Shows good form on a tackle down the field.
- Does an exceptional job diagnosing the play in most instances.
- Drops into a zone and the QB throws right to him for an INT – shows soft hands on the catch
Vs. Georgia (’12)
- Stays home, sheds a block and makes a run stop at the line of scrimmage (LOS).
- Excellent concentration – makes a diving INT on a ball tipped high in the air at the LOS.
- Shows good strength to take on blockers but could do a better job shedding.
- Reads a WR screen and jumps it – almost gets an INT
Vs. Clemson (’12)
- A little slow picking his way through trash at the LOS.
- Splits out wide in coverage.
- Good job staying with the play, coming over to make a tackle and save a big play.
- Drops into coverage often – covers deep down the seam and makes a tremendous diving INT.
- Consistent effort in pursuit.
- Covers deep down the field and gets beat on a closely contested pass.
- Can be an effective blitzer
