Chicago Bears Draft Scout: Jeff Holland

Is Jeff Holland a scheme fit on the edge for the Chicago Bears?

Jeff Holland spent two seasons rotating in behind Carl Lawson on the edge. When Lawson went to the NFL draft, the team hardly missed a beat as Holland stepped up to provide 9.5 sacks, 12.5 for loss and four forced fumbles. Can he make that same jump to the NFL next season, and how does he fit on the Chicago Bears?

Measurables

Age: 22

School: Auburn 

Strengths

Holland with with speed and strong hand work to get around the edge. He does a really a good job of pushing pockets and clogging run lanes. As shown in the play below, he has a strong swipe move to blaze by tackles.

Jeff Holland also has a dip move to help get around the edge. He does not have the best bend, but there is definitely something there to work with.

He also has the length to work with as well. His ability to keep separation from offensive lineman with his reach and push establishes a base of a pass rusher that could be worth investing in.

More from Bear Goggles On

• Franchise tag and transition tag windows open for Chicago Bears and NFL
• How the Chicago Bears can control the running back market in 2023
• The Chicago Bears can own the city of Chicago moving forward
• Chicago Bears NFL Combine Preview: Quarterback
• 7 best free agent tackle options for Chicago Bears

Weaknesses

His biggest questions come down to lateral mobility. He can be tight coming out of his stance, and moving sideline to sideline is not a preferred option for him. It usually hurts him in the running game, but can also catch up with him against the pass as well. He can build up speed but he usually is not the first player off of the line.

It would be tough to trust Jeff Holland to drop into coverage much as well.