2021 NFL Draft: Oregon S Jevon Holland a tough projection to next level
By Cory Kinnan
Looking at his 2021 NFL Draft projection
Given how he is predominantly used in a stacked Oregon secondary, the nickel is most likely where he projects best at the NFL level as well. However, asking him to play in a man coverage heavy scheme would not do him any favors as this tends to be where his flaws are exacerbated. However, if he lands with a team that runs a zone-blitz scheme, Holland will be in a great position to thrive at the NFL level.
Pro Football Network’s Nick Farabaugh agreed with his potential to thrive in the NFL as well:
"“As a starting nickel cornerback, he showcases the potential to be one of the best out there. However, it could also be a highly useful tool to expand his versatility as a safety. Either way, Holland has a high ceiling as a playmaker for any football team.”"
While the nickel is his most likely landing position in the NFL, he would be an excellent fit in a 4-2-5 system (four defensive linemen, two linebackers, and five defensive backs) as an overhang or rover where he would be asked to set the edge, blitz, and play in coverage. However, as an overhang, he would more than likely see most of his man coverage reps against tight ends and running backs, where Holland showed most of his promise in 2019.
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He has multiple decisions to make given he is an underclassman. Holland could opt out and declare for the 2021 NFL Draft, he could play in the Spring, then enter the draft, or he could opt to skip the season and still return to Oregon in the Fall as well. Holland looks firmly like a day-two pick in the NFL Draft at this point, given an early third round pick by this writer.