WorldWide Rams Draft Profile: Jalyn Holmes, DE, Ohio St

Ed “Pi Double i” Henderson

WorldWide Rams

Who is the 6-foot-5 283 pound Jalyn Holmes?
Holmes arrived at Ohio State weighing a mere 235 pounds, and used his free time to transform his body while playing behind a stacked Buckey defensive front nearly his entire career. His senior season, he virtually was third on the depth chart behind Sam Hubbard, Nick Bosa, and Tyquan Lewis. He didn’t get as much of playing time as a true starter or produced monster stats, but his talent on the field was bright. Bulking up to 280 lbs, Holmes needed to seek attention from all the NFL scouts who were in scouting for defensive end help. Holmes ended his Buckeye career with 84 tackles (14 tackles for loss), five sacks, and three forced fumbles. In 2016 and 2017, he was named as a All Big-Ten Honorable Mention selection.

Jalyn Holmes Highlights

Strengths
Competent spin move that when combined with momentum is hard to block beside his incredible length makes him versatile. Has experience playing all over the defensive line, as a five-technique, three-technique and even as a nose tackle in a sub package. Has a strong bull rush that sends offensive lineman backward. Moves laterally with efficiency, able to get off blocks.

Weakness
Holmes is not overly athletic, needs coaching up regarding his technique specifically his hand's placement, need hand use technique and ability to dip and shed blocks along with consistency.  Doesn't string together pass rush or disengagement moves consistently. Lacks a counter move as a pass rusher. Lack of speed limits potential as an edge rusher, tends to hesitate when he has to make a decision on which gap to defend, allowing him to run up the arch too often as five-technique.

Is he a fit for the Rams?
Yes, Holmes could shine in a Wade Phillips 3-4 defensive scheme with his ability to push the pocket. Having a  good play at the 2018 Senior Bowl, NFL scouts see prosperous in his future professional career than how his collegiate career reflected. He still has raw skills but he has the power, burst, and speed you want to see out of a pass-rushing defensive end. He is long in length like DeMarcus Ware, in which Phillips can love. Has a high upside to be a productive pass-rushing defensive end in an already talented Los Angeles Rams defensive front.
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​Draft Prediction
4th - 6th Round

NFL Comparison
Taco Charlton, Dallas Cowboys

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