49ers Draft Scouting: Texas Tech's AJ Holmes

Texas Tech defensive tackle AJ Holmes is a three-down presence whose athleticism, violent hand usage, and technique make him among the top defenders in the nation. He’s an enticing target for the San Francisco 49ers in the 2027 NFL Draft and would instantly improve an inconsistent unit.

Holmes, the six-foot-three, 300-pound redshirt senior, spent his first three seasons at Houston before transferring to Texas Tech in 2025. He had a productive first season with the Red Raiders, tallying 4.5 sacks, 32 pressures, and 38 tackles. However, he was hidden behind David Bailey, Lee Hunter, and Romello Height (who all went in the first three rounds of the 2026 NFL Draft).

Now, Holmes is dominating his increased opportunity with 2.5 sacks, eight tackles, and 15 pressures through three games. He's a day-two prospect in the 2027 NFL Draft, but that will change quickly if he impresses.

Holmes' A-list trait is his athleticism. He has a quick first step and staggering power that helps him overpower his opposition. This makes him a mismatch against 99% of offensive linemen and creates a three-down monster that offensive coordinators must prepare for.

Holmes’ prowess as a run defender was evident last year, and he’s only gotten stronger. His anchor makes him immovable against a single blocker and often against double teams. Then, he can penetrate the backfield with his violent hand usage, helping him instantly shed blocks.

Holmes' pass rush potential was clear in 2025, but he was inconsistent. Now, he’s transformed into a dynamic, reliable presence who wins with both athleticism and technique. He’s still developing more pass rush moves, but has shown a willingness to implement them. He will be an excellent third-down contributor in the NFL if he continues to improve.

The main question surrounding Holmes is how he wins. He’s not a flashy player and won’t produce many major plays. As a result, he can disappear from games and not make a noticeable difference. Him showcasing his skill and impact on a game consistently is the key to improving his stock from mid-to-late day-two to fringe first-round.

Despite this, the 49ers should be interested in Holmes. They have a solid defensive tackle group, highlighted by Osa Odigihizuwa and rookie Gracen Halton. However, they’ve been decimated by injuries, as Alfred Collins and CJ West are both on injured reserve. As a result, it would make sense to invest in additional depth and top-end talent.