From now until the 2020 NFL Draft takes place, we hope to showcase as many prospects as possible and examine both their strengths and weaknesses. Most of these profiles will feature individuals that the Pittsburgh Steelers are likely to have an interest in, while a few others will be top-ranked players. If there is a player you would like us to analyze, let us know in the comments below.
#1 Darnay Holmes/CB UCLA- 5’10” 195
The Good
- Showed versatility, playing a variety of coverages as well as traveling between slot and outside
- Possesses elite instincts out of off coverage, drives on routes with quick click and close speed
- Solid tackler, possesses impressive hit power for a smaller player, making him an realistic slot prospect
- Plays with great patience out of press coverage, waiting for receivers to declare and locating the hip immediately
- Underrated speed, showing ability to run with Hollywood Brown, as well as elite short area quickness when attacking underneath routes
- Elite feet, possibly the smoothest backpedal in the class, with equally smooth hips in transition
- Does a great job of pinning receivers to the sideline, getting his head around and highpointing balls, imperative to succeed as a smaller corner
- Dynamic athlete in the kick return game, taking one to the house against Stanford in 2018, adding to his value in Pittsburgh
- Solid ball skill production, finishing his career with eight picks, taking one to the crib in each of his first two seasons
The Bad
- Anticipation can get him into trouble, leading to some embarrassing reps guarding against double moves
- Solid tackler when he wants to be, pursuit to the ball became lackadaisical at times
- Lack of size and arm length prevents him from being physical with his punch in press, allows too many uncontested releases off the line
- Lack of stature can lead to him being boxed out and out leveraged, particularly in the red zone
- Poor/inconsistent eye discipline prevented him from being a true lockdown guy, had too many lapses in discipline which led to big plays
Bio
- Started 33 of 35 total games throughout his 3 year career at UCLA
- 120 tackles 3 TFL 8 INTs 17 PD 2 FF 2 TD
- 2019: 33 tackles 1 TFL 2 INTs 6 PD 1 FR
- Former five star recruit out of Calabasas High School
- Career KR: 878 yards 23.