Chicago Bears Draft 2015: Top Safety Targets

Credit: Jamie Rhodes-USA TODAY Sports

Gerod Holliman (6-foot-2. 213 pounds), Louisville 

Gerod Holliman is the epitome of a ball hawk. After playing behind Calvin Pryor, he became a starter in 2014, and he shined. He had 17 passes defended and led the nation with 14 interceptions.

Holliman has a nice low back pedal and fluid hips which allow him to keep up with slot receivers. Can read quarterbacks well and takes good angles to the ball. He can sense when a quarterback locks in and he will leave his area looking for the interception.

Holliman likes to make the big hit. He can provide a momentum changing hit. When playing man-to-man, he undercuts the route and plays the ball. His aggression ratchets up when the ball is in the air.

While he likes to make the big hits, he needs to improve on his wrap up. He drops his shoulder, and with his poor tackling form, ball carriers can slip away.

Holliman is a red shirt sophomore. He had just the one year starting, so he may have some more to learn. Doesn’t always play with full effort.

Holliman is projected to go in the second or third round. The Bears have a bad history of safeties with tackling troubles so it may be too risky to pick him up there. If he is available in later rounds, however, he can be a project.

Next: Landon Collins