George Holani's NFL Draft Stock: Is He Underrated?
An in-depth look at Boise State's George Holani. We break down his strengths, injury history, and why he could be a major steal in the 2024 NFL Draft.
Alex Carter
Former scout and lifelong college football analyst with a passion for the draft.
In the annual gold rush that is the NFL Draft, every team is searching for that hidden gem—the player overlooked by many but possessing the grit and talent to become a cornerstone. This year, one of the most intriguing candidates for that title is a running back from the blue turf of Boise State: George Holani.
Who is George Holani?
For those unfamiliar with Mountain West football, George Holani has been a household name for years. A product of the powerhouse St. John Bosco High School in California, Holani was a highly-touted four-star recruit who chose Boise State over a host of Pac-12 offers. Standing at 5'11" and around 210 pounds, he possesses the ideal build for a workhorse NFL back—sturdy, low to the ground, and built to withstand contact.
But Holani is more than just a physical specimen. He’s a smart, patient runner who embodies the resilience that defined his college career. He leaves Boise State as one of the program's most productive backs, finishing third all-time in rushing yards (3,596) and scoring 34 total touchdowns. His journey, however, was anything but a straight line.
The Bronco Years: A Career of Highs and Hurdles
Holani’s career at Boise State was a microcosm of a running back's life: moments of brilliance punctuated by the harsh reality of injuries. He burst onto the scene as a true freshman in 2019, immediately seizing the starting role and rushing for 1,014 yards, earning Mountain West Freshman of the Year honors. The future looked limitless.
Then, adversity struck. The COVID-shortened 2020 season and a significant injury in 2021 limited his production and playing time. Many players would have faded into the background, but Holani battled back. In 2022, he returned to form with a vengeance, rushing for a career-high 1,157 yards and 10 touchdowns, reminding everyone of the special talent he possessed.
His final season in 2023 was again impacted by injury, yet he still managed to be incredibly effective when on the field, averaging 5.2 yards per carry and capping his career with an MVP performance in the LA Bowl. This constant cycle of peak performance and recovery is the central question for NFL teams: can he stay on the field? But it also showcases his undeniable toughness and dedication to return to form.
Scouting Report: Strengths & Weaknesses
When you turn on the tape, Holani’s appeal is immediately obvious. He’s a polished, pro-ready back with a clear understanding of the position. But like any prospect, he comes with areas of concern that will affect his draft stock.
Strengths
- Vision and Patience: Holani is exceptional at letting his blocks develop. He doesn't just crash into the line; he presses the hole, reads the leverage of his linemen, and makes a decisive cut. This is a trait that translates directly to zone-blocking schemes in the NFL.
- Contact Balance and Power: He rarely goes down on first contact. With a strong lower body and a relentless motor, Holani consistently falls forward for extra yardage and has a knack for breaking arm tackles.
- Reliable Pass Catcher: While not a dynamic route runner, he has soft, dependable hands out of the backfield. He caught 69 passes during his college career, making him a reliable check-down option who can transition smoothly from receiver to runner.
- Pass Protection: Holani is a willing and capable blocker. He understands his assignments, isn't afraid to take on blitzing linebackers, and shows the technique to be a three-down player at the next level. This is a non-negotiable for many NFL coaches.
Weaknesses
- Injury History: This is the biggest red flag and the primary reason he won't be a Day 1 or Day 2 pick. He's dealt with leg, hamstring, and other lower-body injuries throughout his career. NFL teams will scrutinize his medicals heavily.
- Lack of Elite Top-End Speed: Holani is not a home-run hitter. While he has enough burst to get to the second level, he's unlikely to outrun NFL defensive backs for 60-yard touchdowns. He's more of a grinder who chunks out yards than an explosive playmaker.
- Age: Having played five seasons in college, he will be a 24-year-old rookie. In a league that devalues older running backs, this will work against him in the draft process.
Player Comparison: Finding Holani's NFL Parallel
To understand what a player might become, it helps to look at who they resemble. For Holani, a strong comparison is Baltimore Ravens running back Gus Edwards. Both are bigger backs who thrive in a zone scheme, using vision and power to make their mark rather than breakaway speed. The table below highlights their similarities.
| Attribute | George Holani | Gus Edwards |
|---|---|---|
| College Profile | Productive MWC back with injury history | Productive Big Ten back with injury history |
| Physical Build | ~5'11", 210 lbs | ~6'1", 238 lbs |
| Running Style | Patient, one-cut, downhill runner | Decisive, one-cut, powerful downhill runner |
| Key Strength | Excellent vision and contact balance | Elite vision in zone scheme, powerful finisher |
| Primary Concern | Durability and lack of elite speed | Durability (missed 2021 season) and lack of elite speed |
Like Edwards, who went undrafted but carved out a fantastic career as a reliable, tough, and efficient runner, Holani has the potential to vastly outperform his draft position if he can stay healthy.
NFL Draft Projection: Where Does Holani Land?
Considering his strengths and weaknesses, George Holani projects as a classic Day 3 pick, likely falling somewhere in the 5th to 6th round range.
His value lies in his floor. A team that drafts Holani isn't gambling on raw athletic traits; they are getting a polished, intelligent football player who can contribute immediately. Teams that run a heavy dose of outside or inside zone will see him as a perfect fit. Look for teams like the Baltimore Ravens, Los Angeles Rams, Green Bay Packers, or Houston Texans to show interest.
He has the skill set to be a highly effective number two back right away, with the potential to develop into a starter if he can prove his body can handle the week-in, week-out punishment of the NFL.
Final Verdict: A High-Reward Draft Prospect
So, is George Holani the next great NFL Draft steal? The potential is certainly there. He is not the flashiest back in this class, and his medical reports will be the most important part of his pre-draft evaluation. But the tape doesn't lie. He is a tough, smart, and productive football player who has overcome adversity at every turn.
If an NFL team's medical staff gives him the green light, they could be acquiring a starting-caliber running back for the price of a late-round pick. In the high-stakes game of the NFL Draft, that’s a gamble worth taking every single time. Keep an eye on his name when Day 3 rolls around; some team is going to get a bargain.