The Denver Broncos will host Oregon outside linebacker Justin Hollins for a pre-draft visit, according to KUSA-TV’s Mike Klis. Denver could use more depth at the position after allowing Shaq Barrett and Shane Ray to walk during NFL free agency (Ray remains unsigned).
Hollins (6-5, 248 pounds) ran a 40-yard dash in 4.5 seconds and bench-pressed 225 pounds 25 times at the combine earlier this offseason. NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has compared him to Obum Gwacham, who was a sixth-round pick in the 2015 NFL draft.
During his time with the Ducks, Hollins totaled 184 tackles (including 36 tackles for losses) and 14 sacks. He also intercepted two passes, broke up eight passes, recovered three fumbles and forced seven fumbles.
“He will offer a team edge versatility to play on his feet, with his hand in the dirt, or the ability to drop back in coverage,” Draft Wire’s Gavino Borquez wrote of Hollins in December. “Above all else, he plays with great effort and a constant motor. He pursues the ball all over the field and has speed to close.”
If selected by the Broncos, Hollins would likely compete with Jeff Holland for the team’s No. 3 outside linebacker job behind starters Von Miller and Bradley Chubb. Barrett served as the team’s No. 3 edge defender last year.
Hollins will likely be a late-round pick in April’s draft.
