Our new massive series here at Downtown Rams will give you players that catch our eye. We will bring you bring you draft prospects, see where their fit is with the Rams and of course give you a player comparison.
Who is the 6-foot-0, 190 pound DB Daquan Holmes?
He’s likely a defensive back you never heard of, but so was Malcolm Butler not so long ago. Daquan Holmes is a Division II standout who could be generating some buzz as a late round steal or a high priority undrafted rookie free agent. Holmes looks the part of a hard working grinder who can change the game on a dime as a playmaker. He would likely need to earn a spot as a special teamer in the NFL before a serious spot on a defense, but that shouldn’t discourage you from considering this kid.
Strengths
Solid size to play CB in the NFL
Speed and athleticism are where they need to be
Clear-cut awareness
Adequate ball skills
Concentration
Ball-carrier vision
Play-making ability
Kick/Punt return ability
Quick processor; dissects and attacks the play
Weaknesses
Level of competition
Needs to improve as a tackler to be a force on special teams
Needs to bulk up a little more to play on the outside
How does he fit with the Rams?
The Rams are looking at a majority new roster. With a new era in Rams football many players of the previous regime could be out the door. There is always room on the special teams squad but as it stands right now there could be room with the cornerbacks. With the Rams best CB set to possibly leave in free agency, the Rams would be left with just CB’s: E.J. Gaines, LaMarcus Joyner, Mike Jordan, Blake Countess, Troy Hill, Kevin Peterson and Kevin Short. Outside of Gaines and Joyner who have started in 39 games combined. The rest of the crop listed has only started in eight games combined. That to me, leaves plenty of leeway for a young rookie like Holmes to get his shot. The Rams have brought in small-school guys before and they have had undrafted free agents end up starting before, so it wouldn’t surprise me if Holmes followed in Malcolm Butler’s path and became the next small-school kid to make an impact in the NFL.
Draft Grade
7th round-UDFA
Player comparison
Malcolm Butler
Say what you will but if you turn on Malcolm Butler’s college tape there is a clear resemblance to Daquan Holmes. One thing that stood out was how much faster and quicker they both looked than the rest of the players on the field. Men among boys, Butler is a perfect example of going from rags to riches. Why can’t Holmes do the same? Butler is another one of those guys that started off with his back against the wall as an undrafted free agent and ended up winning the Patriots the Super Bowl by making the biggest play of his life. After that Butler just continued to get better and now he is one of the best cornerbacks in the league. If Holmes has the work ethic, determination and the passion Butler has, all you need to do is put together his physical gifts and you will have yourself a future NFL cornerback. Remember the name Daquan Holmes, because before you know it he could end up being the next Malcolm Butler.
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Other draft profiles:
K.D. Cannon, WR, Baylor by Jake Ellenbogen
Tre’Davious White, CB, LSU by Jake Ellenbogen
Trey Hendrickson, DE, FAU by Jake Ellenbogen
Forrest Lamp, OT, Western Kentucky by Jake Ellenbogen
Zay Jones, WR, East Carolina by Jake Ellenbogen
Jojo Mathis, EDGE, Washington by Jake Ellenbogen
Lorenzo Jerome, S, St. Francis by Gary Weed
Haason Reddick, LB, Temple by Adam Grego
James Conner, RB, Pittsburgh by Jake Ellenbogen
Taylor Moton, OT, Western Michigan by Jake Ellenbogen
Javancy Jones, EDGE, Jackson State by Jake Ellenbogen
Glen Antoine, NT, Idaho by Jake Ellenbogen
Elijah Qualls, DT, Washington by Ed Henderson
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