2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report: A.J. Holmes, DL, Texas Tech

Summer is here, sort of, and it is everyone’s favorite time of the year, scouting time. Every year, we do Summer Scouting to preview college football for Bucs fans, but also give them an idea of names to follow and watch in the fall as needs pop up for Tampa Bay.

>Are we going to write about quarterbacks? Offensive tackles? Edge rushers? You know it, but why? Because other NFL teams will draft them, just as they will draft every other position. It all matters whether these players end up on the Bucs, the Bears, or the Steelers. We write these so Bucs fans can be the most informed fans.

>So if you are still with us, enjoy our latest Summer Scouting report as we prepare you for the Fall.

FilmKansas • >West VirginiaBackground InfoListed at 6-3/300 lbs. • >3-Star prospect according to 247 Sports • >Transferred from Houston to Texas Tech • >Second-team All-Big 12 in 2025 • >First-team All-American in 2025 • >Father played running back and linebacker at Northwestern StateNotable career stats heading into 2026105 Tackles • >22.5 Tackles for a Loss • >11 SacksNotable numbers from PFF heading into 202670 QB Hurries • >4 Passes batted at the line of scrimmage • >66 Defensive stops • >Pass Rush Win Rate of 15.7%StrengthsStrength to power time and again • >Wins hand-fighting • >Shows athleticism with his size • >Uses leverage to win reps • >Ideal size for the NFL to win right awayPlayer SummaryA.J. Holmes is a game-wrecker, full stop. With Texas Tech, the play of Holmes in the middle allowed their edge rushers to create chaos. He can do the same thing in the NFL today if he were drafted. He uses power and athleticism to get by defenders, but also his speed allows him to make up and catch ball carriers when he is playing behind on the play. What impresses me most is his hand fighting as it allows him to get in the backfield ocnsistently and create chais for opposing offenses.

>This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: 2027 NFL Draft Summer Scouting Report on Texas Tech's A.J. Holmes