The wait could still be worth it for the Steelers and Senquez Golson

Drafted in the second-round of the 2015 NFL Draft, Ole Miss cornerback Senquez Golson was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers to help a struggling secondary gain some continuity and improve. Two years later, and fighting to take just one NFL snap, the young defender is ready to make an impact with the team in 2017.

The injury bug has definitely gotten to Golson, not once, but twice. In his rookie season, he injured his shoulder in preseason workouts, which needed surgery to repair. He was placed on the injured-reserve list and missed the rest of the season. In 2016, at training camp, Golson suffered a mid-foot Lisfranc injury, and was told he would be back within eight weeks, or so, by doctors; his condition didn't improve. Combine the injury with a need for another player to come off the injured reserve list, and the team decided to place him on the season-ending injured-reserve, ending his sophomore season.

Golson hasn't played in a professional football game yet. He has played in a few practices but has not even stepped foot on an NFL football field yet, preseason included, let alone dressed in a jersey and gear to take a single in-game snap. Quick reminder, he was drafted in 2015.

While many fans have forgotten what he accomplished in college, there is plenty to showcase what he is made of, and how he could impact the Steelers in 2017. He'll have to stay healthy to get the chance to improve his spot on the roster, but if that happens fans will like what they see.

Career Statistics:

College: Ole Miss Rebels

2011 - Games: 7 | Tackles: 10 | Tackles for Loss: 0 | Interceptions: 1

2012 - Games: 12 | Tackles: 22 | Tackles for Loss: .5 | Interceptions: 3

2013 - Games: 12 | Tackles: 31 | Tackles for Loss: 2.5 | Interceptions: 2

2014 - Games: 13 | Tackles: 33 | Tackles for Loss: 3.0 | Interceptions: 10

* Golson had arguably the greatest interceptions in team history. *

Bama vs. Ole Miss: "The Interception"

Alabama's quarterback Blake Sims gets intercepted by Golson, which ultimately seals Bama's fate. Upset complete. Ole Miss won the game 23-17.

Draft Statistics:

Height: 5'9"

Weight: 176 lbs

Arm Length: 29 3/4 in

Hand Size: 9 3/8

40-Yard Dash: 4.46 s

Vertical: 33.5 in

Broad: 10ft 0 in

Bench Press: 15 reps

Drafted: Round: 2, Pick: 56

WRAP-UP:

As you can see by statistics and college film, Golson is a very solid defender. While he has mostly been forgotten, his skill should get some excitement running through the blood of Steelers fans looking forward to the 2017 season. While Golson remains a curious case, this young athlete is a playmaker, and definitely could help a secondary that saw marked improvement in 2016.

Slot cornerback, and veteran defender, William Gay had a decent 2016 season, but he was consistently getting beat by younger receivers. During multiple games, Gay showed fans that he is indeed losing his top speed, something that unfortunately happens as a pro athlete ages. Gay, 32, will most certainly be back in 2017. The only question is: Will he be the starting slot corner?

In the highlight video below, a better understanding of what Golson brings to the table when 100 percent healthy is displayed. In 2017, he will most likely take over as the slot corner for Pittsburgh and certainly has what it takes to play; talent and athleticism. If he can remain healthy, Golson has an excellent chance at moving to a starting spot on the depth chart in the Steelers' defensive secondary.

Along with being a Film Room analyst on BTSC, Nathaniel is also the founder/ editor-in-chief of SteelCityReport.com. Check out more of his work HERE.