In watching a Pittsburgh Steelers game, you'd look at their cornerbacks and think, "Oh, they have a type." It would be true if you just looked at "The Avatars," Joey Porter Jr. and Cory Trice Jr., who appear very similar. Head Coach Mike Tomlin used the term "Avatars" to describe the two players the Steelers drafted in 2023. Porter is 6'2" and 193 lbs, while Trice is 6'3" and 206 lbs; they represent the trend of going toward bigger, more physically imposing cornerbacks.
It wasn't a surprise to see them stick with that trend and draft another defensive back, Ryan Watts, in the sixth round of 2024. He's another big DB at 6'3" and 212 lbs.
While Watts was selected, Beanie Bishop Jr. gathered those close to him in Louisville, KY, expecting to be selected on day three. When that didn't happen, Bishop admitted he was angry, not happy when Tomlin called him immediately following the draft, asking him to come to Pittsburgh.
Bishop said he is used to playing with a chip on his shoulder. He expects to be overlooked and underestimated because of his size, 5'9" and 182 lbs. He may not physically fit into the trio of Steelers Avatars, but he didn't waste any time making a name for himself. He recently told his teammate, long snapper Christian Kuntz on his show, The Christian Kuntz Podcast, that he is constantly baffled by the disrespect smaller corners get.
"I would say for a guy of my stature," said Bishop about how hard you have to work to succeed in the league. "You got to think, it's like so many coaches who are like, 'Oh yeah, we need bigger corners.' I'm like, d**n bro, like I'm locking people up at 5'9". 5'9" even, not even 5'9.5", but 5'9" even, bro. So what you mean we need a bigger corner? I'm sticking this dude, but the other dude that's 6'2" can't guard them. But, like, you need a taller corner? What is the taller corner out there to do? Give him body presence? Come on, bro. I just go out there and play."
Bishop plays in the slot, while Porter plays outside corner, so they can't quite be compared apples to apples. He started for the Steelers for the first several weeks while Cam Sutton served his suspension. Once he was pulled for Sutton, many fans questioned the coaching decision Tomlin and his assistants made.
During his rookie year, Bishop tied for fifth place in the league for interceptions with four. He also had 45 total tackles, two tackles for a loss, seven passes defended, and one fumble recovery. He started the season playing the majority of the defensive snaps; the most was 83.3% in Week 8, and the least, 51.6% in Week 9. Then began the drop. He played to varying degrees after Sutton returned in Week 10. He didn't see any action in the loss to the Kansas City Chiefs because Tomlin decided to go "big nickel" as safety DeShon Elliott returned from injury.
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. Continues To Grow
Bishop's chip on his shoulder doesn't prevent him from learning and growing. Since arriving in Pittsburgh, there have been numerous stories about Bishop, his desire to learn, and his willingness to listen. Quarterback Justin Fields spent time working with Bishop throughout the season. Teammates said they saw Fields offering Bishop advice on how to better hide his coverage or how to blitz better. Tomlin also credited veteran leader Minkah Fitzpatrick for his work with Bishop and the other young players.
Bishop told Kuntz he is already meeting with Tomlin and new Defensive Backs Coach Gerald Alexander to prepare for his role on the 2025 team. He said he is working on his communication skills to help the defense clear some hurdles in 2024.
