04/30/2012 - Holmes was the seventh player drafted by the Falcons from Southern Mississippi. He was selected in the third round this year. The other picks were: 2005 Michael Boley, LB (5th round); 2004 Etric Pruitt, S, (6); 1992 Tony Smith, RB, (1); 1991 Brett Favre, QB, (2); 1984 Glenn Howe, T, (9) and 1974 Doyle Orange, RB, (6). QUOTE TO NOTE: "I went to junior college when I was a freshman with my head down, just basically saying, 'I've got to go in there and take somebody's spot. I've got to earn a job. I've got to be on the field. I'm not here to make friends.' I think that type of mentality, it carried me to where I am now. I went to Southern Miss with just the same mentality and I've just got to keep doing it." -- Lamar Holmes, Falcons third-rounder on the mentality needed to earn a starting position. - The Sports Xchange
Holmes has the physical tools to intrigue teams. His size, long arms and patience as a pass blocker are legitimately NFL-caliber. He is rough around the edges and struggled adjusting to new coaching at the East-West Shrine Game but has low-risk developmental upside as a late-round flier.
Analysis
Positives: Eases of his stance and can hold out many pass rushers with his long, 35 1/4-inch arms, balance and enough lateral agility to mirror. Has the feet to adjust when he anticipates what's coming. Effective trapping and bends at the knees with adequate core strength to absorb the bull rush. Can clear a path at the second level if he hits the target.
Negatives: Not explosive in any aspect. Lacks the quickness to redirect and handle cut blocks. Unable to complete most combo blocks. Gets an initial shove at the line but doesn't move the second target. Poor body control and lacks accuracy blocking on the move.
