Atlanta Falcons 2012 Draft: Grading the Selection of Lamar Holmes

While the Atlanta Falcons found great value with Wisconsin center Peter Konz falling to their lap in the second round, they seem to have reached mightily with their following selection.

With the 91st overall pick in the 2012 NFL draft, the Falcons selected Southern Miss offensive tackle Lamar Holmes.

Atlanta passed on the likes of Bobby Massie and James Brown for Holmes, who was a sixth- to seventh-round projection by most draft sites.

Holmes has the prototypical size to play the position professionally at 6'5" and 323 pounds, but is a raw prospect that won’t be starting anytime soon.

His pass-blocking is his best asset after having played in a pass-heavy offense at Southern Miss, which allowed him to develop rather well in that area of his game.

His run-blocking ability, on the other hand, leaves much to be desired. The former Golden Eagle greatly lacks the technique needed to be anything more than a decent run-blocker at the next level.

As well, Holmes' agility and quickness could use some work, as highlighted by his sluggish 5.22 40-yard dash. Most importantly, Holmes will need to improve his overall fluidity if he hopes to make it in the NFL.

He has great upside, but there’s no doubt Holmes is a big project player. If Falcons offensive line coach Pat Hill is able to work on his technique, however, Holmes could potentially become the long-term option at either of the tackle spots for Atlanta.   

Grade: C-