Ohio State Football: Senior Bowl chance for Jalyn Holmes to shine
Ohio State defensive end Jalyn Holmes has been overshadowed at times but he has a chance to shine at the Senior Bowl.
When Jalyn Holmes was selected to play in the Senior Bowl it was a well deserved honor for the Ohio State defensive end. It will also be a terrific opportunity for him to finally let the NFL general managers see just how talented he is.
That has been difficult to do in his four years at Ohio State with the other outstanding players in the defensive end unit.
It’s hard to garner attention playing alongside the likes of Joey Bosa, his brother Nick and Tyquan Lewis. All won the Smith-Brown award as the top defensive lineman in the Big Ten. And don’t forget Sam Hubbard, a fellow member of the 2014 recruiting class.
Now Holmes will be able to step out of their shadows and show he is a very talented player as well.
He will be able to match his skills against other the defensive ends during bowl practices. Every year players move up or down in the draft order because of their performances in front of NFL scouts the week leading up to the Senior Bowl.
If Holmes shows he has the talent to play on Sundays, which I think he will, scouts will dig deeper into his performance on the field for the Buckeyes. He was more productive than his 59 tackles (11 for loss) and 3 sacks the last two seasons would indicate.
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His playing time was limited from being part of the deepest defensive end unit in the country. And he also moved to defensive tackle for a couple of games this season when there was an injury situation at the three technique position.
When they talk to those in the Ohio State program, the scouts will get an earful. Holmes is one of Larry Johnson’s favorite players.
Coach Johnson has raved about his work ethic, and the fact he is unselfish and a great teammate. And his opinion will matter because probably no other defensive line coach has sent as many players to the NFL as he has the last couple of decades.
Anyway, at least Jalyn Holmes has a chance to step out on his own at the Senior Bowl. I’m glad to see it since he has been a terrific player for the Buckeyes but one who flew under the radar.
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I just hope come draft day next spring the LA Chargers don’t draft Holmes, because I would like to see him chosen by a team where he won’t have to worry about being overshadowed once again. I’m sure he and Joey are still friends, but don’t you think Jalyn could use a break from playing alongside a player whose last name is Bosa?