Lamar

Holmes

Offering ideal size at nearly 6-foot-6 and 325 pounds, Holmes caught the eye of NFL Network’s Mike Mayock at the East-West Shrine game. Although Holmes plays with a bit of stiffness, he was a solid pass protector and a strong run blocker as an all-conference selection in 2011. The Falcons may view him as a developmental left tackle.

The Falcons weren’t aware of the injury when they drafted Holmes. “It’s something that became evident in his post-draft physical,” coach Mike Smith conceded. Smith claims that the toe(s) injury is “minor,” and Holmes’ absence from workouts is “precautionary.” Holmes’ status for full-squad OTAs is unknown.

A first team All-Conference USA selection, Holmes led an offensive line that paved the way for Southern Miss to post more than 6,000 yards of offense for the first time in school history. At 6'6" and 325 pounds, he possesses the size and athleticism to stay at left tackle in the NFL. Holmes will likely play a swing tackle role as a rookie.

Holmes is walking without a boot already, so this sounds like a precaution. The No. 91 overall pick projects as a swing tackle for the Falcons.

Holmes, a third-round rookie, missed offseason practices with fractured toes in his left foot. Nicholas hadn’t practiced since December, missing the playoff loss to the Giants.

In the battle to replace Tyson Clabo, Johnson has his nose in front of Lamar Holmes. Perhaps the Falcons prefer the more efficient pass blocker over the heavier, mauling Holmes. The competition will continue into training camp.

The first-team line will be, from left to right, LT Sam Baker, LG Justin Blalock, C Peter Konz, RG Garrett Reynolds, and RT Mike Johnson. Holmes was initially viewed as Tyson Clabo’s heir apparent, but may not have had a standout spring. Johnson offers more experience, though he’s largely struggled in past spot appearances. The O-Line is not a strength of Atlanta’s offense.

This directly contradicts the Falcons’ official site, which opined that second-year pro Lamar Holmes is “penciled in” on the right side after Tyson Clabo’s release. Johnson and Holmes are different players. Holmes is more of a mauler, while Johnson is lighter on his feet at 304 pounds. Neither will be handed the job.

A 6'6/323 second-year player out of Southern Miss, Holmes saw just seven snaps as a rookie. But the Falcons are apparently comfortable enough with him to release long-time starting right tackle Tyson Clabo. Holmes’ only competition will come from jumbo tight end Mike Johnson and a possible draft pick. The Falcons will be breaking in a new center and right tackle this season.

It’s a salary cap move as the Falcons work toward a Matt Ryan extension. Clabo started 100 games and made one Pro Bowl during his seven-year Atlanta career, but was owed $4.5M in each of the next three seasons. In-house replacement Lamar Holmes will make just $480K in 2013. Still, it’s surprising to see ProFootballFocus’ No. 5 right tackle get axed. Clabo turns 32 in October, but there are plenty of teams in need of a 6'6/329 mauler. He joins Andre Smith and Eric Winston in a surprisingly loaded free agent right tackle market.