Rookie Cole Holcomb could end up being a big part of what the Washington Redskins do defensively in 2019.
This wasn’t always the plan, of course. But with the injury to Reuben Foster and the release of Mason Foster, a bigger-than-expected window of opportunity has opened for the North Carolina product.
And let head coach Jay Gruden tell it, Holcomb is making a quick adjustment.
“Cole is very smart, that’s part of the reason why we were attracted to him in the draft,” Gruden said, according to Ryan Homler of NBC Sports Washington. “He’s a very, very smart player. Instinctual player. He’s picked it up very smoothly, very effortlessly.”
Gruden isn’t the first in this area, either — defensive coach Rob Ryan had big praise for him too.
Holcomb has always had the athletic traits necessary to play coverage well at the pro level, so the question always came down to adaptation and playbook understanding.
Based on the recurring praise for Holcomb from coaches, he’s on track to have an impact.
