One of the dominant themes this off-season for the Pittsburgh Steelers was the need to upgrade a secondary that had it’s fair share of struggles and shouldered much of the blame for what was a lackluster year for the defense.
Strike that. It WAS the dominant theme, and understandably so.
As big as any issue for the Steelers secondary last season was that it was completely devoid of playmakers. In fact, the Steelers finished the season with 11 interceptions for the season, ranking 25th in the NFL. To make matters worse, one of the better players for the Steelers secondary — corner Brice McCain — is now a Miami Dolphin.
Factor in the losses of Steeler mainstays Troy Polamalu and Ike Taylor, along with serious question marks surrounding Cortez Allen, Mike Mitchell and Shamarko Thomas, and it is fair to say the Steelers needed to get plenty of help in the secondary in the 2015 NFL Draft over this past weekend.
With the selection of cornerbacks Senquez Golson and Doran Grant, along with safety Gerod Holliman, the Steelers might have found that help, and added some of the biggest playmakers available in the draft. In 2014 alone, Golson, Grant and Holliman combined for 29 interceptions.
Yes, that’s not a typo. TWENTY-NINE.
Golson, who starred at Ole’ Miss and was a finalist for the Bronco Nagurski Award given to the best overall defensive player in college football, has a chance to make an immediate impact at corner. Though some have concerns about whether or not the diminutive Golson (5-foot 8, 178 pounds) can be a starting corner in the NFL, there is simply no denying his ball skills and playmaking ability.
It should also be noted that Golson looks like a perfect fit for the Steelers based on the types of coverage schemes utilized during his time with the Rebels. Many of the zone-read schemes he is used to playing are similar to what he is likely to see as a Steeler, though make no mistake, Golson has the ability to develop into a very solid man-to-man cornerback.
It’s very possible Golson will get an extensive look as a nickel cornerback in his first year, and don’t be surprised at all if he cracks the lineup in this role early.
Former Ohio State standout Grant is probably a player that will need time to develop before he makes an impact at cornerback. Considering Golson as is probably more “NFL ready” and veterans Allen, William Gay and Antwon Blake all likely to be relied on first, Grant should have some time to learn and make his initial contributions on special teams.
That’s not to say Grant does not have a bright future. Grant has a knack for being around the ball and shows great intelligence on the field. Known for his work ethic and competitiveness, Grant could eventually be a full-time starter at corner. Much like Golson, Grant looks like a perfect fit for what the Steelers like to do with their corners, and with his size and athleticism (5-foot 10, 200 pounds, 4.4 40) there is reason to believe he can flourish under the guidance of secondary coach Carnell Lake.
Holliman is the true wild card of the group. Despite of first team All-American honors and winning the Thorpe Award as the nation’s top defensive back after leading the nation with 14 interceptions last season at Louisville, Holliman slipped all the way to the seventh round.
Only a starter for one season, Holliman certainly made the most of it in terms of racking up eye popping stats. However, Holliman has been labeled by many as a one-trick pony who may be a ball hawk, but has significant flaws that might make him a serious project as a pro. One of the biggest flaws is Holliman is considered a liability as a tackler and too much of a gambler in pass coverage. Tags such as “undisciplined” and “low football IQ” seemed to stick as Holliman plummeted to the final round.
Holliman will get some of the best instruction a safety could ask for under the tutelage of Lake, and if he can learn how to become a more complete player, the Steelers might strike late-round gold. Even if Holliman can be utilized in limited roles in nickel and dime packages, his ball hawking skills could be extremely valuable for a team desperate for playmakers.
There is no question the Steelers answered the call to add playmakers through the draft. Now the question becomes can they do it as pros, and help sooner than later.
