One position the Pittsburgh Steelers did not address in the 2015 NFL draft going into the seventh round was safety. This was interesting, because with the loss of Troy Polamalu and the delayed development of Shamarko Thomas, it appeared that it was going to be a high priority.
However, through six rounds and seven selections, there was no new safety on the team. So, as the Steelers went on the clock with pick No. 239, safety had to be on the mind. And sure enough, Pittsburgh did opt for a safety, and it chose one who has some fascinating potential.
Louisville safety Gerod Holliman was the pick and a nice way to wrap up what has been an incredibly successful draft. However, it is difficult to project just how good or awful Holliman will be in the NFL. That is because the facets of his game are stark contrasts of each other.
First, let’s take a look at Holliman by the numbers:
Height: 6’0”
Weight: 218 lbs
Arms: 32”
40-Yard Dash: 4.65 seconds
Vertical Jump: 27"
Total Tackles: 44
Total Missed Tackles: 20
Overall, there is almost nothing outstanding about Holliman physically. He has adequate size but nothing in terms of standout measurables. Nevertheless, Holliman was an All-American and won the Thorpe Award as the nation’s best defensive back. So how did he end up a seventh-round pick?
First let’s talk about how he was so heralded in college. In 2014 Holliman hauled in a mind-boggling 14 interceptions. There are really good NFL cornerbacks who can’t get 14 interceptions in five years. And it wasn’t like Holliman was doing this against lower-level competition either.
Kevin Colbert on Gerod Holliman: "14 interceptions is no accident.... This kid's a ballhawk; he knows how to get interceptions."
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 2, 2015 So what we have created here is a rather confusing situation. Holliman has this amazing 2014 pedigree yet falls to the seventh round. Why was that? Well first and foremost, 2014 was the only season he put together this kind of effort. Prior to 2014 Holliman was a complete unknown, and he exploded on the scene for just a single season.
However, the area of Holliman’s game that ranks the lowest is his ability to tackle. For all of his instincts and football acumen, Holliman is an absolutely horrible tackler. He puts forth minimal effort, dips his head and seems like he does not like to get his jersey dirty. He reminds one of a soft coverage cornerback as he jogs to the football, trying not to get in the scrum.
Mike Tomlin on Gerod Holliman's tackling: "He's got room for improvement in that area."
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) May 2, 2015 What does all this mean for the Steelers? Well, maybe the best thing that can happen to Holliman is he gets to spend some time learning the game under defensive backs coach Carnell Lake. As a defensive back for the Steelers, Lake was fearless and came downhill on every play.
If the Steelers drafted Mississippi cornerback Senquez Golson in the second round with his deficiencies because of his ability to create turnovers, they should afford Holliman the same consideration.
Don't care what anybody says..#Steelers got them a very good Safety in @GerodHolliman...Go take that chip on your shoulder & ball #NFLDraft
— Anthony Becht (@Anthony_Becht) May 2, 2015 If Pittsburgh can find a role for him, whether it’s as a true deep free safety or perhaps as a dime cornerback in off coverage, Holliman’s ability to diagnose a play and then flip the field are skills just too enticing not to explore.
Source: http://bleacherreport.com/articles/2451913-gerod-holliman-to-pittsburgh-full-draft-pick-breakdown
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