The Broncos provided Vic Fangio with another versatile defender Saturday with the selection of Oregon linebacker Justin Hollins in the fifth round (No. 156 overall) of the NFL draft.
Welcome to #BroncosCountry, Justin Hollins!#BroncosDraft pic.twitter.com/XrURQ7mNPj
— Denver Broncos (@Broncos) April 27, 2019
Hollins, a fifth-year senior, appeared in 52 career college games with 184 tackles (36 for loss) and 14 sacks. He was the only player in the nation last season with at least five sacks, five forced fumbles and one interception. Collins also earned first-team All-Pac-12 honors in addition to defensive MVP of the East-West Shrine game.
Hollins was primarily an edge rusher at Oregon, but Broncos general manager John Elway posted Saturday on Twitter that Hollins “can play inside and outside” linebacker. Hollins is listed at 6-foot-5 and 248 pounds. Elway added: “His athleticism also will help us on special teams.”
Hollins adds depth to a position group that did not re-sign outside linebackers Shaquil Barrett and Shane Ray this offseason.
“I’m going to play anywhere they need me,” Hollins said on a media conference call.
Who is Justin Hollins?
Position: Outside linebacker.
College: Oregon.
Height: 6-foot-5.
Weight: 248 pounds.
Hometown: Arlington, Texas.
Accolades: Finished college career with 184 tackles in 52 games (37 starts). … Only player in FBS last year to have at least five sacks (6 1/2), five forced fumbles (five) and one interception (one). … First-team All-Pac 12 as a senior has chosen by the media. … Defensive MVP of the Shrine Game in January.
Notable: Three-star high school prospect and top-100 player in the state of Texas. As a high school senior, played on same team as future No. 1 overall pick Myles Garrett. … Missed 2015 season with a torn Achilles. … As a sophomore in 2016, played defensive end but moved to a stand-up linebacker role in the Ducks’ 3-4 scheme. … Totaled 36 1/2 tackles for lost yardage, ninth-most in Oregon history. … Ran the 40-yard dash in 4.50 seconds at the Combine and lifted the 225-pound par 28 times. … Team captain as a senior.
BRONCOS NFL DRAFT
1-20: Noah Fant, TE, Iowa
2-41: Dalton Risner, OL, Kansas State
2-42: Drew Lock, QB, Missouri
3-71: Dre’Mont Jones, DT, Ohio State
5-156: Justin Hollins, LB, Oregon
