With the No. 239 overall pick in the draft the Pittsburgh Steelers selected free safety Gerod Holliman out of Louisville.
Holliman started one year for Louisville but definitely made it count. In that one year he racked up 37 tackles, one sack, 17 passes defensed and recorded an amazing 14 interceptions in only 12 games. His 14 interceptions led the FBS in 2014 and tied the FBS record.
As a result of his impressive season Holliman received the prestigious Jim Thorpe Award which is given to the nation’s best defensive back. Holliman was also voted a First Team All-American and was selected to the First Team All-Acc squad.
Holliman is six feet tall and weighs 218 pounds which is average size for a safety. He has been described by NFL scouts as a player who’s not afraid to lay a big hit on someone. He is also described as having unbelievable ball skills and was viewed as a ball hawk the one year he started at the collegiate level.
That being said he does have his share of weaknesses. Firstly, he only started one year before becoming a pro so he has a lot to learn and isn’t as disciplined as a more experience player. Due to his lack of discipline he was known for not being a great tackler. He struggled wrapping people up and was often focusing on going for the big hit rather than the sure tackle.
The 2015 draft is over for the Steelers and clearly their major concern was the defense. Hopefully with some coaching and veteran leadership these young players will help bring the defense back to its glory.
Photo Credit: USA Today Sports
