Beanie Bishop Embracing Slot Cornerback Role with Steelers
The cornerback depth was something the Pittsburgh Steelers needed to address this past offseason. Names like Patrick Peterson, Levi Wallace, and Chandon Sullivan all became unrestricted free agents.
In March, general manager Omar Khan made his first notable offseason trade by moving disgruntled wide receiver Diontae Johnson to the Carolina Panthers, for cornerback Donte Jackson. So far, Jackson has been a terrific, addition with Pittsburgh - recording three interceptions in his first seven games of the season.
Following the 2024 NFL Draft, the Steelers made an interesting signing, as they inked West Virginia CB Beanie Bishop Jr. to an undrafted free agent deal.
Prior to the draft, Bishop was an AP second-team All-American. While with the Mountaineers, he led the nation in pass breakups.
Bishop had been invited to the Big 12 Pro Day. During the event, he ran a very impressive 40 time of 4.39, which was the fastest time of any draft prospect in the conference.
It didn’t long for Bishop to make his mark at Steelers’ training camp, as one of the biggest camp surprises in Latrobe.
Despite dealing with a minor hamstring issue, Bishop’s speed, athleticism, and field awareness earned him a spot on Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster. Head coach Mike Tomlin had announced that Bishop would open the regular season as the Steelers starting slot corner. A big deal for Tomlin to start a rookie right away - let alone an undrafted one.
Bishop to this point has done more than just get his feet wet at the NFL level. The 24-year-old Bishop saved his best performance under the bright lights of Acrisure Stadium, in Week 7 against the New York Jets, as he recorded two interceptions off Aaron Rodgers, to help give Pittsburgh a comfortable, 37-15 victory. In the process, Bishop became the first Steelers rookie defensive back to have multiple INTs in a game since Darren Perry in 1992.
For Bishop, his situation is pretty similar to that of Mike Hilton, who he himself was a UDFA, and got a chance to stand out with the Steelers as a rookie in 2018. As good of a rookie year as Hilton had, with an 82.2 passer rating against, Bishop has actually been better so far, posting a passer rating against of 75.4.
Mike Tomlin allowed Bishop the opportunity to hit the ground running as a rookie in the Steelers’ secondary, and he has definitely answered the bell, while becoming a reliable, young slot CB.