DeVonte

Holloman

A late-round sleeper per Rotoworld college prospects guru Josh Norris, Holloman has ideal strong-side linebacker traits at 6-foot-1 3/8 and 243 pounds with experience in pass coverage. Dallas has a long-term need at SAM linebacker, as current starter Justin Durant is only a short-term fix.

Holloman (6-foot-1 3/8, 243) played strong safety before moving to the “Spur” hybrid linebacker position as a senior. He registered seven tackles for loss, two sacks, and three interceptions in 2012, before running a 4.76 forty with a 1.62 ten-yard split in Indianapolis. Holloman’s experience in coverage should serve him well as he projects to a reserve outside linebacker spot if he makes the Cowboys.

Bruce Carter manned the weak side last season but was benched before quickly regaining the job. The Cowboys might be souring on him. If Lee kicks outside, second-year LB DeVonte Holloman could take over in the middle. Holloman played 214 defensive snaps as a rookie and started the final two games at MIKE. Lee’s tackle number might take a slight hit, but he’d remain a strong IDP play.

Holloman, the 185th pick in last year’s draft, started the final two games at MIKE last season while Lee was on the shelf. He was in a bit over his head but was billed as a strong cover linebacker coming out of South Carolina. Other options to replace Lee could be rookies Anthony Hitchens and Will Smith.

Holloman, a sixth-round pick in 2013, suffered a spinal contusion in practice last season and missed seven games. He returned to start the final two games at middle linebacker and was in the mix to help fill Sean Lee’s shoes this season, but now this embattled Cowboys defense takes another hit to its already brutal depth. Holloman hurt his neck during Saturday night’s preseason game when a teammate made contact underneath his arm.

The No. 185 pick of last year’s draft, Holloman missed seven games with a spinal contusion. A serious injury would leave the Cowboys’ legendarily thin linebacker corps even more short-handed. Along with Rolando McClain, Justin Durant and Anthony Hitchens, Holloman is part of the Cowboys’ post-Sean Lee mix at inside linebacker.

The release comes with a failed physical designation. A 2013 sixth-round pick, Holloman retired in August due to a neck injury.