Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. Wants To Dominate And 'Impose My Will' On People

The Pittsburgh Steelers brought in some competition on the defensive side of the ball during the 2024 NFL Draft, but Beanie Bishop Jr. was not among those taken on draft night. The former West Virginia University cornerback ended up being one of the first undrafted free agents the Steelers agreed to terms with following the draft. Despite the challenge of earning his spot, Bishop is ready to prove that he belongs in the NFL.

Bishop has battled the perception that he is an undersized defender throughout his football career, standing at 5'9" and weighing under 190 pounds. Mike Tomlin doesn't care how big you are; he just wants his defensive players to be able to hit and do it well. Bishop talked about his uphill battle during Pittsburgh's rookie camp and believes the physical part of the game is what will help him make his mark.

"You know, I love to tackle, and I love to be a physical guy, and I like to impose my will on guys, you know. Receivers, tight ends, running backs, quarterbacks, whatever it is. And that's, like, a strong suit of my game."

After playing for Western Kentucky and Minnesota from 2018 to 2022, Bishop caught the attention of the Steelers after turning in an impressive 2023 season with West Virginia. Bishop led the team with four interceptions in 2023 and started at cornerback in all 13 games during his final collegiate season. The ability to take the ball away is a highly sought-after trait in a Steelers' secondary, and when that is combined with his desire to hit people, Bishop is starting off well.

Pittsburgh has a clear need at slot cornerback entering the 2024 campaign, and Bishop can clearly see a path to the final roster if he keeps showing what he can do. Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace both ended up being more of a liability at the position than the positive impact Pittsburgh hoped, resulting in neither one being on the squad. 

Joey Porter Jr. proved in 2023 that younger defensive backs can make their mark in Pittsburgh if they are patient and do things the right way. Bishop seems more than up to that task, and if that holds true, the Steelers could have a slot cornerback ready to go.

Bishop isn't the only player out to snag a meaningful cornerback spot on Pittsburgh's roster, though. Veteran defender Anthony Averett was signed following a standout performance during the rookie camp and is eager to ensure his journey doesn't stop there. Ryan Watts was selected in the sixth round of the 2024 draft, but could end up being moved around depending on how he is evaluated. With plenty of competition, Bishop will need every trait and ability he has to prove why he deserves to be on the field for the Steelers.

Steelers Eager For A Rookie Repeat

Porter Jr. was a fan favorite well before he was picked with the first selection in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft. The legacy pick came to Pittsburgh with plenty of celebration and a ton of expectation, all of which he handled in stride. 

While he had to earn his way onto the field, the result was a rookie season that got him a Defensive Rookie of the Year nomination and a starting spot in 2024. Despite Bishop being undrafted compared to the high pick Porter Jr. was, the Steelers would love a second consecutive year with a breakout rookie cornerback on their roster.

Bishop has the confidence to play in the NFL, but he also brings a healthy dose of reality to the table when it comes to his transition to the league. With Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson starting out as the assumed starters, Bishop is more than happy to play the role of slot cornerback or anything else the team asks of him. 

If Bishop can be a sure tackler early in his career it will go a long way to showing Tomlin that he should see the field more. However he produces for the team, Bishop knows that all he needs is the chance, and he won't look back.

Who will be the Steelers' slot cornerback for the 2024 season?