STRENGTHS - Devonte is a big, physical safety that crashes the line of scrimmage. His thick frame allows him to take on blockers and then shed and make the tackle on the ball carrier. He uses his hands well to separate and jam receivers on the rare occasion he is manned up. He uses proper leverage to maintain position and then attack down hill. He can deliver the big hit that seperates ball carriers or receivers from the ball. Has the versatility to play all three downs and match up against TEs and backs.
WEAKNESSES - Holloman is way to big to be a safety and due to his size he struggles to match up and adjust in space against athletic receivers. He will need to move to the outside linebacker position which means he will be a developmental guy. He is overly aggressive and is often caught flat footed when in coverage which allows receivers to get over the top of him. He does not have the speed to make up for his mistakes and does not show the ability to plant and drive on the ball. He has poor instincts as well.
SUMMARY - Devonte Holloman has a rare combination of size and strength for a defensive back in college. He played all four years at South Carolina and has started for the last three seasons at the Strong Safety position. He brings a physical nature to the defensive backfield that is rare but does not translate to the next level due to his lack of overall speed and recover skills. He is best suited to move to the OLB spot in the NFL where he can better use his size and skills as a ball carrier attacker. It also will make him more effective for a team for his ability to play sideline to sideline and match up in coverage against backs and tight ends. He doesn't have ideal height which may cause him to struggle in coverage against the new trend of TEs in the league but he can make up for it in his experience as a DB. He is best suited for a 34 style defense where it can keep him in space and could develop into a nice option as a nickel linebacker. Overall DeVonte Holloman would make a nice 6th round selection in the 2013 draft. If he runs well in the 40 it could cause him to move up as well. He should make a squad as a special teamer at first and add quality depth.