Broncos promote Jeff Holland; waive Alexander Johnson

The Denver Broncos have officially promoted rookie edge rusher Jeff Holland to the active roster and waived inside linebacker Alexander Johnson.

Holland is an undrafted rookie out of Auburn who had 71 tackles, 13 sacks, five forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries during his college career. In the preseason, Holland also gathered in three tackles, two sacks, and a fumble recovery.

During training camp, Holland was a sponge. Especially when Von Miller would speak.

“That guy there is a pro,” Holland said in July. “In the film room he might go back two plays and, ‘hey coach can you rewind that, can you slow it down, can I watch my steps?’ He even coaches the young guys hard... he might say, ‘Jeff, hit him with the chop.’ Small things like that.”

The lessons he learned from Miller are ones that will pay off in a big way for his NFL career if he works hard enough.

With Shaquil Barrett out 2-4 weeks nursing a hip flexor, Holland will likely fill in that fourth edge rusher slot. It’s a rotation that the Broncos favor to keep both Miller and Bradley Chubb fresh through the entire game.