The Chicago Bears had one of the busiest draft weekends in recent memory. Despite starting the action with only six picks, GM Ryan Poles engineered four trades that pushed that number to 11. It was the first time the team had finished a draft with over ten picks in 14 years. Yet the incredible part is they weren’t anywhere close to finished. Minutes after the draft concluded, Chicago conducted an all-out blitz of the undrafted ranks. No fewer than 35 rookies were either signed as free agents or invited to minicamps this week. While there are multiple interesting names in the mix, few offer more intrigue than Ralph Holley.
At first glance, the Western Michigan defensive tackle doesn’t look like much. He’s 6’1 and 285 lbs, which is undersized for that position in the NFL. Yet, upon closer inspection, it becomes obvious why the Bears like him. Matt Eberflus’s defense functions best with a defensive tackle that can shoot gaps and create havoc in the backfield. With 18.5 sacks and 45.5 tackles for a loss in 40 games with the Broncos, it was evident almost immediately that Holley had that capability.
The @ChicagoBears are getting another Bronco! Congratulations to @HolleyRalph, who also earned a rookie camp invite from the Bears! pic.twitter.com/vUqiTSnbLi
— Western Michigan Football (@WMU_Football) May 1, 2022
This is not a player that fits every defense.
He needs to land in the exact right system, and Chicago’s makes by far the most sense. Holley is at his best when he’s allowed to burst off the snap and get up the field. He has a quick first step and uses his natural leverage to get under blockers. His motor never stops, which often enables him to still make a play even when it seems like he’s initially blocked. His hands are also active during each rush, even though he could stand to diversify his technique more.
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Western Michigan has a really flashy IDL prospect in Ralph Holley (#8). Shoots gap between C-RG and gets under them to blow this play up. Twitch jumps off the screen and plays all over the DL. pic.twitter.com/cKWfXTakvc
— Bobby Football (@Rob__Paul) July 1, 2021
2022 NFL Draft: MY guys for the Chicago Bears
DT:
2nd Round: Logan Hall3rd Round: Perrion Winfrey
Day three: Curtis Brooks and Neil Farrell
Sleeper: Timmy Horne, Kurt Hinish, Ralph Holley (video) pic.twitter.com/aNgXungxMk
— Chicago Football Connection (@CFCBears) April 27, 2022
🎙⬆ with 8️⃣#LetsRide || #FOUR pic.twitter.com/DNyy6wShRH
— Western Michigan Football (@WMU_Football) August 25, 2021
As for the size concerns, while they are valid, it is hardly uncommon for smaller defensive tackles to have productive NFL careers. Aaron Donald, Geno Atkins, Mike Daniels, Mike Patterson, and Sheldon Day have similar builds. Three of them went to the Pro Bowl. The other two played five or more seasons in the league with decent production. So don’t dismiss Holley due to that concern.
Ralph Holley has a better chance than people think too.
After the failure to sign Larry Ogunjobi in free agency, the Bears are left with questions about the three-technique defensive tackle spot. The initial belief is that it will come down to a battle between new arrival Justin Jones and holdover Mario Edwards Jr. The depth at the position isn’t terrible, but it also isn’t great. There is a window for somebody to sneak into the conversation if he makes a strong enough case in training camp.
To get there, Ralph Holley must first make a positive impression at rookie minicamps. He’ll face some competition from a few other undrafted defensive linemen, but it is a competition he should win if he plays like the guy he was in 2021.
It is a fun subplot for the weekend.
The young man doesn’t lack confidence. He seems to carry himself with a confident swagger that is necessary for a land of giants. It is unlikely he’ll approach the coming practices with any sort of fear. Don’t be surprised if Holley’s name surfaces more than once or twice.
