Auburn Football: Joshua Holsey flying under the radar in NFL Draft

Here we discuss the upcoming NFL draft, and how Auburn football cornerback Joshua Holsey is currently flying under the radar.

Carl Lawson and Montravious Adams have stolen the spotlight for the Auburn football team when it comes to this year’s upcoming NFL draft, however some draft analysts believe that the Tigers have a couple of players that have been overlooked.

After battling two ACL injuries in four years at Auburn, Joshua Holsey was a game-changer on defense for the Tigers in 2016. Holsey stormed back stronger than ever this past season, managing to tally 30 tackles and 10 pass break-ups in his senior year at cornerback. He also had two game-sealing interceptions in critical conference games at home against Vanderbilt, and on the road at Ole Miss.

Despite the impressive turnaround season, Holsey was snubbed, failing to receive an invitation to the NFL combine. Needless to say, there was a little extra motivation for Holsey at Auburn’s pro day.

“This was my chance to show every scout and every team in the building what Josh Holsey is about,” Holsey said, “I think I should’ve been invited. I thought I had a good enough year to be invited to the combine and the all-star games. I guess other people didn’t feel the same way.”

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There were plenty of scouts in the practice facility to see his standout performance on pro day. Holsey was listed at 5-feet-9.5, weighing in at 190 pounds. The Georgia native started the afternoon off by recording the day’s best vertical jump at 35 inches, and the third-best broad jump at 9-feet-10. He then showcased his speed by running a 4.43-second 40-yard dash.

ESPN draft analyst Todd McShay believes that Holsey has the ability to make a name for himself in the NFL, and have a long, successful career despite not being highly ranked entering the draft in April.

“I feel like I came and did a great job. I hope I impressed somebody. … I just want a chance. Somebody, just give me a chance. That’s all I ask. I’m going to work my butt off. All I’m asking for is a chance.”

Joshua Holsey may not be the prototypical stud corner that all scouts are looking for, but he brings toughness, he brings leadership, and he brings versatility. Holsey, as noted before, came back from two knee injuries in his time at Auburn to become a leader for the defensive unit in his senior year. He possesses the kind of charisma you want to have in an NFL locker room, someone that can be a strong and fearless leader. Holsey can also play a variety of positions on the field.

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In his time at Auburn, he was an impact player at nickel, corner, and safety. Holsey has the potential to be a lockdown corner in the NFL, and some lucky team is going to get a steal of a pick in the later rounds.

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