2015 NFL Draft: Steelers Select S Gerod Holliman

To round out their selections in the 2015 NFL draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers selected Louisville safety Gerod Holliman with their lone seventh round pick.

After only selecting one defensive back in the draft last year (who failed to make the final roster), the addition of Holliman makes the third one selected by the Steelers this week, as it is deemed by many the most needed position coming into the draft.

Recording interceptions has been a department the Steelers have been inconsistent with in the past few seasons. By drafting Holliman, who had fourteen last year in his first full time starting season, the Steelers hope to add to that effort as they attempt to rebuild their defense.

Holliman beat out both Landon Collins (second round selection) and Iko Ekpre-Olomu (also a seventh round selection) for the Jim Thorpe award, which is given to the best defensive back in the nation. In many mock drafts he was slated to be a fourth round selction, which makes him a nice steal for the Steelers in the final round.

If the Steelers decide to move Mike Mitchell to the strong safety position with the retirement of Troy Polamalu, this could Holliman the chance to compete alongside Shamarko Thomas and Robert Golden for the opposite safety starting spot.

Along with his impressive 14 interceptions, Holliman totaled 44 tackles, three tackles for a loss, and one sack. He may only have one full season as a starter under his belt, but i believe that the Steelers have drafted a future starter at the safety position.

Dont let his draft area automatically assume that he will not be a factor. Kelvin Beachum, who is currently starting on the Steelers’ offensive line, was also a seventh round selection in the 2012 draft, and has developed nicely into one of Ben Roethlisberger‘s best defenders.

Holliman will be entering training camp with a chip on his shoulder after teams passed over him time and time again. This will no doubt aid in his effort to make the final 53, and be a big contributor on the Steelers’ defense in the future.

Next: Steelers Draft Day 3: Mixed Reactions

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