Cole Holcomb – LB
Cole Holcomb is a third-year pro out of North Carolina that’s proving very quickly that he can be a star in the NFL. The talented linebacker is having a breakout year with the Washington Football Team and will provide a tough test for the Carolina Panthers this week.
He has 78 total tackles so far this season, to go along with a sack, an interception and two forced fumbles. As the Carolina offense looks to adjust with Cam Newton under center, Holcomb has the explosiveness and playmaking ability to blow it all up if he gets going.
Holcomb can get into the open field and make plays, and also play zone, which can be tough for the offense to work against.
Carolina must account for his whereabouts at all times. Especially considering they’ll be adopting more of a run-first approach with the stud duo of Christian McCaffrey and Newton operating in the backfield.
This is also something of a homecoming for Holcomb having starred for the Tarheels, so he won’t want to be found wanting in the face of such a challenge.
Ron Rivera’s defense seems to finally be putting the pieces together and Holcomb is a big part of that. It will be interesting to see how Holcomb’s threat is counteracted during a crucial Week 11 contest.