West Virginia cornerback Beanie Bishop led the nation in pass breakups (20) and passes defensed (24) this past season. Bishop then attended The Big 12 Pro Day where he ran a 4.39 40. Interest in Bishop’s services in the 2024 NFL Draft has significantly increased since then.
Bishop recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about his elite ball production throughout the 2023 season, returning kicks and punts, which teams have shown interest in his services, and more.
JM: It's been a journey to the 2024 NFL Draft for Beanie Bishop. How do you look back on the decision to transfer from Minnesota to West Virginia? You also previously played at Western Kentucky.
Beanie Bishop: I just felt like I needed a different opportunity to showcase my abilities. I wanted to make more plays on the ball and things of that nature. I wanted to play cornerback in The Big Ten. It was a different experience altogether.
I put a lot of great stuff on film. I showcased my ability to tackle. I wanted to leave West Virginia with even more good film at my disposal. I did a great job proving I could play the ball in the air.
We had a lot of resources at West Virginia. We had an incredible strength and recovery staff. They helped me stay healthy and play as many snaps as I could. I had a more limited rep count at Minnesota. I was playing like 300 or 400 snaps.
Going to West Virginia, I knew I would make plays on the ball. I also made an impact on special teams as a kick and punt returner. I had previously played those spots at Western Kentucky.
I feel like that’s what separates me from a lot of defensive backs in this class. Not a lot of them returned kicks and punts. They just play defense. I feel like my game is very different in a lot of ways. I’m a very physical tackler as well that loves to tackle.
JM: You talked about making more plays on the ball. You actually led the nation in passes defensed (24) and pass breakups (20) this past season. You also had 67 tackles and four interceptions. What an incredible season. What is it about your skill set that allows you to always be around the football?
Beanie Bishop: I have to credit the coaching staff for trusting me in those situations. We never over-complicated things. I had more time to study film. West Virginia took great care of my body as well.
They allowed me to be myself at the end of the day. They trusted my instincts, even if we didn’t spend a lot of time coaching a certain look. They trusted me to allow my instincts to take over. I made a lot of plays on the ball.
JM: You recently put forth an outstanding performance at The Big 12 Pro Day. You ran a 4.39 40 and 4.15 shuttle. Those are outstanding results. Have you noticed an uptick in attention you're receiving from teams since then?
Beanie Bishop: For sure I am. It’s been crazy. A lot of scouts I thought I was going to run 4.4 or 4.5 even. I knew I was going to run a fast time. You can say you’re going to do something, but I actually went out and did it.
Going out there and proving it is a different thing altogether. Once the scouts saw that, it made them cut my tape on again. Ok, now we know Beanie Bishop can run fast, and he also makes plays on the ball. That’s what they’re saying now. I feel like it increased my stock a bunch.
JM: Do NFL teams see you playing the boundary or the nickel at the next level? What's the feedback you're getting on that?
Beanie Bishop: Some teams are saying they see me playing the nickel. I feel like I can play anywhere honestly. I don’t like limiting myself to playing one position. I’ve played multiple positions since I’ve been in college. I played outside and inside. I even had a few reps playing deep safety.
I can play anywhere, but the majority of the feedback has been in the slot.
JM: You touched on returning a bunch of kicks and punts throughout your career. So you hope to keep returning kicks and punts at the next level?
Beanie Bishop: For sure I do. I feel like that helps separate me. It’s probably going to help get me on the field the fastest. I can play defense and then go back there and return a kick or punt.
Not a lot of guys can do that. I can score touchdowns on special teams, especially with the rule changes. You need to have a guy on the roster that can run back there with good vision.
JM: You’re a dynamic special teams player. Have you met with any teams in person, or virtually?
Beanie Bishop: I’ve spoken with quite a few teams throughout this process. I went on a pre-draft 30 visit with the Pittsburgh Steelers. I also visited the Washington Commanders and Cleveland Browns. The process has been moving so fast.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Beanie Bishop going to make at the next level?
Beanie Bishop: I feel like I can make an instant impact, especially in the return game. Whichever team decides to draft me is going to get a physical player. I work hard every single day. I’m going to make a positive impact in the locker room.
I’m going to make explosive plays on defense and special teams. I can’t wait to return kicks and punts. I’m going to make a bunch of interceptions, forced fumbles, and tackles for loss. I’m confident I’m going to make a huge impact on all phases.
