Steelers Fan Favorite Separating Himself in Starting Competition: Report

Mandatory minicamp has come and gone for the Pittsburgh Steelers, and second-year defensive back Beanie Bishop Jr. is off to a great start as he attempts to build on his promising rookie campaign.

“Bishop begins to separate himself in [the] nickel competition,” The Athletic’s Pittsburgh correspondent Mike DeFabo wrote on June 16.

Noting later: “While the offseason additions of former [New York] Jet Brandin Echols and seventh-round draft pick Donte Kent have complicated the nickel conversation, Bishop took a strong step forward through OTAs and minicamp.”

“[Bishop] confirmed he played extensively with the first-team defense,” DeFabo explained. Adding: “However, Bishop knows from last year that just because a player begins the year as the starter, it doesn’t guarantee he’ll finish the season the same way.”

“By the Week 9 bye, he was averaging 44.3 defensive snaps a game and had just intercepted three passes in a two-game stretch,” the beat reporter reminded. “However, when Cam Sutton returned from suspension, Bishop’s role changed.

“He was still used at times in nickel. But most of his playing time came in the other sub-package, dime. As a result, he played less than half as much in the second half of the season (21.5 defensive snaps per game). Especially down the stretch, his playing time dwindled, as he appeared on the field for just six defensive snaps combined over the final two games.”

Beanie Bishop Jr. Hopes to Stave off New Steelers Competition at Nickel in 2025

Bishop met with the media during Steelers OTAs. And he was very aware that his potential 2025 starting role could be ripped away again if he struggles.

“I got a lot of improvement to do,” Bishop said on June 4. “Obviously, the lack of reps late in the season and being able to build more chemistry with the guys. [Plus] knowing more this year than I [did] last year.”

Per DeFabo, he also voiced that “at the end of the day, [the Steelers] still don’t have a lot of money invested in me. They obviously drafted [Kent] this year. Brought in [Echols]. So I’m never just comfortable and like, ‘Oh yeah, this is my spot.’ No, I’d never think like that. I always got to have the chip on my shoulder because I still don’t forget where I come from.”

So, what can Bishop improve upon as he tries to lock down the nickel job in year two?

Steelers’ Beanie Bishop Jr. Must Improve on ‘Communication’ & ‘Bad Eyes’ Following Minicamp

According to DeFabo, there are two major areas where Bishop must improve as he progresses this season.

“To keep his spot, Bishop needs to improve his communication, as he was one of the players often in the middle of breakdowns,” the beat reporter wrote. “He also admitted that sometimes he had ‘bad eyes’ in man coverage.”

“While his ball skills helped him earn an NFL opportunity, he’ll need to become more well-rounded to have a long NFL career,” DeFabo concluded.

Per Pro Football Focus, Bishop could also get a little better in the red zone, as he was charged with 3 touchdown receptions allowed as a rookie.

Overall, Bishop’s cumulative QB passer rating against was solid, at 78.1, but 3 penalties and the aforementioned touchdowns lowered his coverage grade. Which finished at a below-average 57.1 despite 4 interceptions.

Similarly, Bishop has room to grow as a run defender with a 55.8 grade in that area in 2024.