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New England Patriots 2019 NFL Draft: 3 round Mock Draft 1.0

By Xaiver Aguiar

AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 03: Will Grier #7 of the West Virginia Mountaineers celebrates after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images)
AUSTIN, TX - NOVEMBER 03: Will Grier #7 of the West Virginia Mountaineers celebrates after the game against the Texas Longhorns at Darrell K Royal-Texas Memorial Stadium on November 3, 2018 in Austin, Texas. (Photo by Tim Warner/Getty Images) /
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2019 NFL Draft prospect Justin Hollins  (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
2019 NFL Draft prospect Justin Hollins  (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Round 3, Pick No. 97: Justin Hollins (Edge) Oregon

I really don’t understand how Justin Hollins has not generated more buzz around him leading up to the draft.

Hollins was a late bloomer in Eugene to the team’s tremendous outside depth, but in 2018 he was able to show how well he could play when given the opportunity. This season he powered the Ducks pass rush with 6.5 sacks and 14.5 tackles for a loss. Not earth-shattering numbers of course, but very impressive collegiate numbers on a defense that was not elite at rushing the passer elsewhere.

Hollins even helped his stock even more by performing amazingly in the postseason. He won the defensive MVP in the Redbox Bowl and followed that up by winning the same award at the East-West Shrine Game. The ladder he was particularly dominant, as he had two sacks and a combined 10 tackles (4 for a loss). His athletic ability allows him to get off the edge quickly and overpower slower tackles.

He played a lot of defensive ends, but the fact he ran a 4.5 40 yard dash at the combine means that he can also play outside linebacker.

The occasions he was asked to drop back and cover or play as a spy he also did fairly well, so he has all the makings of an all-around player in the NFL. His main issue is really that he is almost too athletic. His body is not exactly what you would like from a pass rusher, as he is not impressively strong or imposing. His technique and agility are what makes him special, and of course, that can be taken away by experienced tackles.

The New England Patriots of course just lost Trey Flowers, and are in the market for a new edge rusher. If Hollins bulks up a little bit and gets a bit more consistent, he could be a solid pro. He fits the type of players Bill Belichick likes, and can honestly help the team for the years to come.

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