UNC Football Alumni: Cole Holcomb could have fit with Redskins

Former UNC linebacker Cole Holcomb is battling for a roster spot in training camp with the Washington Redskins but they just might be the best fit

Linebacker Cole Holcomb was the only North Carolina Tar Heel to be drafted in the 2019 NFL Draft, hearing his named called in the fifth round as the No. 173 pick overall. The rookie will have an uphill climb early on in his career but he could find a fit on the 53-man roster come the end of August.

With the Washington Redskins beginning training camp last week, Holcomb saw his first action with the full squad at practice. The speedy linebacker has been getting some reps with all three teams at camp, splitting his time with the first, second and third teams so far. That is a good sign for a rookie and hopefully is promising for his potential roster spot.

So far through the first few days of training camp, Holcomb has impressed drawing praise of the fans and beat reporters:

The 6-foot-1, 240-pound Holcomb was known for his coverage skills and elite speed during his four-year career at UNC and now he hopes that translates over to the NFL, where it’s a much faster game. For the linebacker, early on in camp he’s come in and just focused on getting better.

“Just come in, keep your head down and keep working,” Holcomb told Redskins reporters following practice on Sunday when he was asked about playing with a chip on his shoulder.

And so far, Holcomb has done just that.

As Holcomb worked with the team through OTA’s and rookie minicamp, he was expected to fight for one of the final spots on the 53-man roster. But a night before training camp kicked off, the Redskins announced they were releasing linebacker Mason Foster.

The move not only opened up a hole on the depth chart at linebacker but it meant more reps for a guy like Holcomb in training camp to impress. The linebacker was mentioned in a practice report by the team on Sunday, getting reps with the first team and making a nice play. But it also mentioned that Holcomb saw the reality of how being consistent helps your case big time:

"Linebacker Cole Holcomb worked with the starting unit alongside Shaun Dion-Hamilton during some team drills and 7-on-7 sessions. Early in practice, Holcomb broke up a pass intended for Sims with a high hit that jarred the ball loose — an effort that earned high fives from teammates. But on the next play, Jeremy Spinkle beat Holcomb up the seam and Haskins delivered a well-placed pass for a would-be touchdown. The sequence served as a lesson for the rookie about consistency."

For now, Holcomb is just trying to find his fit but if things continue to go like this, Washington may just have a draft-day steal on their hands.

For more on former UNC Football players in the NFL, please check back with Keeping It Heel.