Jevon Holland 2021 NFL Draft Overview
Position: Safety
Height: 6’1”
Weight: 196 pounds
School: University of Oregon
Jevon Holland 2021 NFL Draft Profile
Overview
Since enrolling at the University of Oregon, Jevon Holland became an instant contributor for the Ducks. In his true freshman season in 2018, Holland became an instant star for the Ducks’ defender. Holland played in 13 games while starting in two of them as he accounted for 42 total tackles, 31 solo tackles, six pass deflections, and five interceptions. He accounted for three solo tackles and two interceptions in the win over the California Golden Bears. His best game was at the Oregon State Beavers when he accounted for six total tackles, five solo tackles, and a pass deflection. After the conclusion of the 2018 season, Holland was an easy choice for a full-time starter as their strong safety. Although he wasn’t the most experienced playmaker on the defensive side of the ball for the Ducks, he was one of the most consistent.
In the 2019 season, Holland started in all 14 games for the Ducks. Holland accounted for 66 total tackles (second-on-the-team), 40 solo tackles, 4.5 tackles for loss, four pass deflections, and four interceptions with one resulting in a touchdown. In the season-opener against the Auburn Tigers, Holland accounted for four total tackles, three solo tackles, and one interception. He also accounted for three punt returns for 131 yards. Holland accounted for eight total tackles and five solo tackles in the 28-27 win over the Wisconsin Badgers in the 2020 Rose Bowl. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Holland was among some of the top Oregon playmakers to skip the 2020 College Football season. As a result, there are several questions about the recent lack of play with Holland on the field. Holland is still regarded as one of the top safeties in the 2021 NFL Draft.
Strengths
- He can recognize the ball trajectory by reading the quarterbacks’ eyes;
- Can make quick cuts in front of the receivers to pick off the pass;
- Excellent instincts in coverage schemes;
- Incredibly quick, fast acceleration, and explosive;
- He possesses a tough and assertive mindset in coverage and in tackling;
- Highly versatile as a defender as he can play free safety and slot cornerback.
Weaknesses
- Has an incredibly small frame;
- Not a strong tackler against bigger and more aggressive running backs and tight ends;
- Might not be able to play his main college position as a strong safety in NFL;
- While he is highly versatile, he isn’t a profound position player;
- He will need time to develop in the NFL especially with his bursting ability to get to the ball;
- Not aggressive in tightly contested passes.
NFL Comparisons: Kevin Byard
Teams With Need At This Position: Atlanta Falcons, Baltimore Ravens, Carolina Panthers, Dallas Cowboys, Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, Las Vegas Raiders, Los Angeles Chargers, Miami Dolphins, Minnesota Vikings, New England Patriots, New Orleans Saints, Philadelphia Eagles, San Francisco 49ers, Tennessee Titans, Washington Football Team
Projection: Second Round
Bottom Line on Jevon Holland
Jevon Holland comes into this 2021 NFL Draft as one of the most interesting safety prospects. He will not likely be playing in his traditional strong safety role as he played in college due to his size. Holland’s ability to scout the ball while in the air, reading the quarterback’s eyes, and getting to the ball makes him one of the most legitimate pass defenders in this Draft. When he gets drafted, he will be a project for defensive coordinators and secondary coaches to work on to have him adjust to NFL coverage schemes. He will be a player that will transition to a free safety role as well as an extra cornerback in the slot.
He can be a highly versatile player in the secondary like how Pittsburgh Steelers strong safety Minkah Fitzpatrick plays. Once a team has conditioned and trained Holland efficiently, he can be a significant contributor for a defense that needs to shut down the passing game. NFL Draft analysts and experts rank Holland as the second-best safety in the 2021 Draft. He is ranked by CBS Sports as the 55th best overall prospect in the 2021 NFL Draft. While he will not be a knock-out pick in the second or even third round by an NFL franchise, he could be a long-time contributor for a defense with the potential to be a Pro-Bowl free safety.
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