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CFL cancelation could offer Cleveland Browns linebacker depth in Nate Holley

By Randy Gurzi

REGINA, SK - JULY 06: Carlos Henderson #80 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders tries to leap over the tackle of Nate Holley #40 of the Calgary Stampeders in the game between the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on July 6, 2019 in Regina, Canada. (Photo by Brent Just/Getty Images)
REGINA, SK - JULY 06: Carlos Henderson #80 of the Saskatchewan Roughriders tries to leap over the tackle of Nate Holley #40 of the Calgary Stampeders in the game between the Calgary Stampeders and Saskatchewan Roughriders at Mosaic Stadium on July 6, 2019 in Regina, Canada. (Photo by Brent Just/Getty Images) /
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Calgary’s Nate Holley could be a find for Cleveland Browns

Amid concerns of the Coronavirus outbreak, the Canadian Football League decided it was best to cancel its 2020 season. That’s a tough break for all the players but there could be some who are able to find work in the NFL, and one player would actually be a great fit for the Cleveland Browns.

The reigning winner of the CFL’s Most Outstanding Rookie Award was linebacker Nate Holley who had 78 tackles, a sack, and an interception for the Calgary Stampeders. Now, he’s seeking to be released from his contract to pursue a shot in the NFL.

And according to Tom Pelissero, there are teams that could be interested in the CFL star who did have short stints with the Los Angeles Rams and Minnesota Vikings.

While no teams have been mentioned yet as possible suitors, the Browns make a lot of sense. First is the fact that their scouts had a chance to see Holley up close during his collegiate days since he played for Kent State. Even more importantly, he fits a major need.

Cleveland is currently thin at linebacker and even if the starters perform better than expected — as Mack Wilson has said they would — the depth is still questionable. Behind Wilson, Sione Takitaki, B.J. Goodson, and rookie Jacob Phillips, the position is wide open. Meaning the Browns would be doing themselves a favor by leaving no stone unturned.

Holley would also need to convince NFL teams that his size won’t hurt him. Currently, he’s listed on the CFL website as 6-foot-0 and 210-pounds, which is more than Kent State had him listed at (5-11, 208-pounds).

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He’s built more like a safety than a linebacker but that doesn’t mean he can’t find a role as a depth piece or special teams player.

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