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From draft and develop to their loyal fan base, the Green Bay Packers have a reputation for more than just winning. Not the least of these things is their desire and ability to turn undrafted players into starters. As a result, Packers fans have more than just 7 or 8 drafted players to be excited about. For that reason, we’ll take several days to outline each of the Packers current UFA players. What are the pros, cons, and chances of making the team?
To see other UDFA write-ups, click here.
Overview
Speed, versatility, and instincts. Those are the three words Daquan Holmes used to describe himself. As best as I can tell, Holmes got it right. At 5’11 187, running a 4.45 40, there’s no lack of speed. Compared to last years corners, Holmes would be the fastest outside of Randall (4.46) and Hawkins (4.39).
The Packers seem to believe in his versatility by switching the 4 year safety to the corner position, which seems to make sense as Holmes fits the typical Packers slot corner mold. Or as everyone is obsessed with saying now, the “star” position. Speaking of prototype, Holmes is a little light but looks to be similar to Damarious Randall.
With regard to his instincts, Holmes was able to turn in 20 interceptions in his 4 years at safety with American International (A D-II school). He made it look easy but there’s no question he has a nose for the ball and always put himself in the right position to make a play.
Pros/Cons
Daquan Holmes is another D-II guy which is a tough label to shake on draft day. Still, Holmes isn’t exactly an underdog. According to the man himself, he met with all 32 NFL teams at one point or another. Clearly the mans skills are coveted around the league. If Holmes can use that vision and short area quickness as a slot receiver to turn in anywhere near the production he had in college, there’s no reason to think Holmes can’t be a Pro Bowl player.
Still, jumping from college to the pro’s in a massive leap. Going from D-II to the NFL means we don’t have a clue what he can or can’t do. That Packers are finding out right now.
As a further con, Holmes listed his tackling ability as a negative and once again I agree. It was painful watching Daquan fly in from the safety spot full speed and collide with a receiver and watch the receiver barely move.
It isn’t necessary to bring up the difference between the talent he went up against in college and the pros again but if the Packers can’t get him to bring guys down, he isn’t going to make the team. Simple as that.
Chances of making the team
There isn’t much different here than there was with Donatello Brown. Both undrafted guys that are likely try to start as slot receivers. The simple numbers are stacked against him as well with there being 7ish players fighting over 1 or 2 roster spots.
As much as the idea of a ball hawk excites me, I have to think Daquan Holmes’ chances aren’t great. First, I think Holmes is a safety or a slot receiver. If the Packers want a versatility, I don’t think Holmes is it.
Furthermore, special teams is the best way to save your place. A guy that can’t tackle doesn’t make special teams.
Highlights