Mandatory Credit: Spruce Derden-USA TODAY Sports
I might be one of the only people who actually likes this pick, but I actually don’t mind that the Steelers selected Senquez Golson in the second round of this year’s draft. While Pittsburgh passed on a cornerback in the first round, it did not necessarily cost them today since they were able to land Golson despite the run on cornerbacks in the middle of the 40’s in the second.
Granted, people will complain about Golson’s lack of ideal size. I understand that, and Golson will face an uphill battle at 5’9″ 176 lbs.. The former Ole Miss Rebel will likely not be a tremendous force in press-man coverage due to his shorter arms and lack of bulk, and he must prove he can consistently shed blocks in the running & screen games against bigger and stronger receivers on the outside.
Size aside, Golson is everything the Steelers want in an off-man and zone cornerback who can contribute in the slot, outside the numbers against smaller receivers and possibly as a sub-package safety. Golson has tremendous fluidity in his hips, changes directions well and has good ball-skills (2014: 10 INTs and 18 PDs). While he is smaller, Golson plays unafraid and with tenacity against the run and illustrated that during his collegiate career in the SEC (2011-2014: 136 tackles and 6.0 TFLs).
While I would rather have seen Pittsburgh draft P.J. Williams or a press-cornerback, I am fine with the fact that they reached a bit to take the quick-twitch defensive back to bolster the depth in their secondary. Pittsburgh will likely take another cornerback in this year’s draft, and I hope fans keep in mind that rebuilding the secondary will take more than one player.
Golson brings versatility, athleticism and ball-skills to a secondary which lacks it, and I for one am glad that they were at least able to add one of hopefully multiple pieces to their secondary in this year’s draft.
Grade: B-
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Players Contract Info. Provided By: Spotrac.com
Players Heights/Weight Provided By: CBSSports.com