Washington Redskins UDFA profile - Mikah Holder, WR, San Diego State

“Mikah’s had probably the best year of any of our receivers as far as catching the ball and blocking. He’s had a great year; I think he’s helped his status. I think the NFL is interested in him now. I’m not sure they were at the beginning of the year because he’s not a great big guy.”

— Rocky Long, Head Coach, SDSU

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Holder was a consistent pass catcher for San Diego State and got the most from his ability. He offers possibilities as a fifth wideout at the next level but must stand out on special teams this summer.

— DraftAnalyst.com

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Let’s start our look at Mikah Holder with a film review by our own Gibbs4potus:

Playing wide receiver in a run-heavy offense

Holder played in one of the most run heavy offenses in college football over the past few years. The Aztecs ran the ball 558 times and only had 251 passing attempts in 2017.

146 of those passes were complete and 43 of them to Holder. He caught 51 passes combined in 2015 and 2016 with 11 touchdowns.

He led the team in receiving yards three years in a row.

Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Not much to see here

There is very limited film of Holder. He has a highlight reel of under four minutes and another of over four minutes spotlighting his performance vs his twin brother Elijah of Stanford.

The prospect

Mikah Holder doesn’t have great size or speed. He didn’t set receiving records at San Diego State. Holder also didn’t show up on many pre-draft Wide Receiver rankings. In fact, I didn’t list him at all in my own rankings.

Holder is 6’0” and 183 pounds (about equal to Marvin Harrison).

Despite less than ideal size, Holder is a very effective blocker. He uses his slight frame very well to stalk block defensive backs and was even effective against linebackers.

Holder ran a decent time at his Pro day in the 40 yard dash of 4.52 seconds. Then he surprised everyone with a 40” vertical jump. Holder wasn’t invited to the NFL combine but if he had been, his vertical jump would have been one of the best leaps of the week.

Holder is a very good route runner. He catches the ball very well and made many acrobatic catches. He also is adept at keeping his feet in bounds on contested sideline throws.

Photo by Sean M. Haffey/Getty Images

How would he fit with the Redskins?

Holder has a tough task if he is to make the Redskins 53 man roster, and possibly even an uphill battle to make the practice squad.

Josh Doctson, Paul Richardson and Jamison Crowder are locks to make the roster. There are two or three other spots available and veterans Brian Quick, Maurice Harris and Robert Davis are the favorites to earn those spots.

One or more rookies could squeeze onto the 53-man roster, but there is heavy competition with Trey Quinn, Simmie Cobbs Jr., Shay Fields, Cam Sims and De’Mornay Pierson-El all competing for those spots, and one or two possible practice squad slots.

A rookie who shows good ability on special teams will probably have the advantage in earning a spot on the roster, especially as none of the vets excels on special teams.

Career statistics

What does his coach have to say about Holder?

The San Diego Union Tribune had an article about Aztec players catching the eyes of NFL scounts who came to watch Rashaad Penny. Chances are that this is exactly how Mikah Holder came to the attention of the Redksins.

Nearly 40 years ago, baseball scouts were drawn to San Diego State’s Smith Field to see a highly-touted shortstop named Bobby Meacham. They came across a sweet-swinging outfielder named Tony Gwynn while they were sitting in the stands.

NFL scouts have made regular visits to SDSU football practices this fall, drawn to Montezuma Mesa by the presence of senior running back Rashaad Penny.

[But] who knows what other talents might be discovered while the scouts are watching? SDSU head coach Rocky Long said pro scouts are making a second round of visits now to the football practice field.

“To have this many coming back a second time is a good sign,” Long said. “We know why they are really coming back — it’s a second look at Rashaad. But it also gives a second look to all those other guys that are borderline guys. We have two or three borderline guys who will get a chance to play in the NFL.”

Long said the closer looks by the scouts has benefited senior wide receiver Mikah Holder. The 6-foot Holder leads the Aztecs with 34 receptions — twice as many as Penny, who is second with 17 — for 467 yards and one touchdown.

Photo by Kent Horner/Getty Images

Redskins wide receiver depth

Player returning who were on the 2017 Redskin roster

• Josh Doctson
• Jamison Crowder
• Brian Quick
• Maurice Harris
• Robert Davis

(one website lists Byron Marshall as a WR, though I have him as a running back)

Veteran free agent acquisition

• Paul Richardson

Draft pick

• Trey Quinn

UDFAs

• Simmie Cobbs
• Mikah Holder
• Shay Fields
• Cam Sims
• De’Mornay Pierson-El

Here are some tweets from Mikah Holder’s Twitter feed: