It's not often an undrafted rookie earns reps with the first-team defense at the start of an NFL training camp, but Beanie Bishop is doing just that with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
Bishop's early camp success might be surprising for some, but it's just the latest example of the former West Virginia Mountaineer making the most out of every opportunity.
"I have to come back tomorrow and prove myself again and do the same thing the next day," Bishop said to Aaron Becker of Yardbarker at training camp on Friday. "I'm trying to take advantage of all the reps that I get. Every day I'm coming to compete for a spot just like everyone else."
Bishop has continually reiterated his desire to prove his doubters — even NFL teams who passed on him — wrong ever since he showed up in Pittsburgh as an undrafted free agent.
"It’s one of those things that helps me every day whenever I think about getting comfortable," expressed Bishop, who earned consensus All-American honors for the 2023 season at WVU, in May.
Bishop has carried a chip on his shoulder going back to when he was an undersized kid. That chip then intensified when he had to start his college career at a Group of 5 program in Western Kentucky.
Much has been made about the possibility about Bishop filling Pittsburgh’s need at slot corner. And while Bishop’s size is why some believe he’s not the right fit, the Steelers have found success with smaller corners in that role in the past, namely Mike Hilton.
Bishop said he does try to look at what Hilton accomplished with the Steelers and now Bengals, granted he wants to put his own “spin” on things and never copy anyone exactly.
While appearing as a guest on the "Mike Drop with Mike Asti" podcast, Steelers great Bryant McFadden offered some advice for Bishop in his pursuit of acquiring playing time with the Steelers
“You have to provide an element of trust as a young guy. If they don’t trust that you know what you’re supposed to do, you’re not going to be out there to try to do it. With that being said, he has to learn the playbook,” said McFadden.
McFadden added that a slot cornerback has to be quick and decisive in their decision-making. Knowing the minutiae of the playbook will give Bishop the upper hand.
“If you know what to do, you feel more comfortable. You’re not second-guessing yourself,” he said.
At the end of the day, Bishop clearly enjoys the journey and is excited about what’s to come, especially going up against other fiery and physical players, whether that's teammates at practice or opponents during games.
