Despite wide receiver being the top story in terms of potential Steelers additions, the team worked out a defender earlier this week. Per NFL insider Aaron Wilson, Pittsburgh worked out outside linebacker Justin Hollins.
Hollins was drafted in the fifth round of the 2019 NFL Draft by the Denver Broncos. He played college football at Oregon, where he recorded 64 total tackles and 6.5 sacks his senior season.
You can read his NFL.com scouting profile by Lance Zierlein here:
Three-year starter with athletic ability and length teams look for from edge talent. Hollins has shown consistent growth as a prospect and flashes every-down potential at times, but his lack of consistent aggression and force could be a limiting factor. He should find special teams reps early on, but his future might very well be defined by his team’s ability to develop and unlock his capacity as a disruptive pass rusher.
Hollins ran an impressive 4.5-second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine.
In the NFL, Hollins has spent time with the Broncos, Los Angeles Rams (where he won a Super Bowl ring), Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders.
His best season came in 2022, where the 6’5, 248-pound defender played in 16 games with five starts, logging 3.5 sacks, 35 total tackles, and four tackles for loss — all career highs.
Pittsburgh’s pass-rusher depth has taken several hits this year. The Hollins workout is likely the team keeping their options open.
