Pittsburgh Steelers

Steelers rookie Holliman getting early shot to show he can tackle

Published Jul. 30, 2015 3:47 p.m. ET

foxsports

Steelers rookie safety Gerod Holliman didn't get drafted until the seventh round due to his suspect tackling ability.

The former ballhawk at Louisville has a prime opportunity to prove his doubters wrong at training camp this week. Fellow safeties Mike Mitchell and Will Allen did not partake in the team's first practice in full pads on Wednesday, according to Behind The Steel Curtain. Head coach Mike Tomlin apparently wants to preserve the two veterans, paving the way for Holliman.

Holliman led the nation with 14 interceptions for Louisville last season, but he won't be a viable NFL safety if he can't make tackles. There were reports that he shied away from contact due to a shoulder injury. The Steelers need depth at the position, so now is his chance to begin proving that he should've been drafted higher than the seventh round.

h/t: Behind The Steel Curtain