The Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to terms with just five undrafted free agents after the 2024 NFL Draft, one of which received an international roster exemption. The Steelers are historically stingy when it comes to signing undrafted free agents, but former West Virginia cornerback Beanie Bishop possesses the best chance to make Pittsburgh’s 53-man roster.
General manager Omar Khan entered the draft with a long-term need at cornerback opposite Joey Porter Jr. Khan surprisingly didn’t draft a cornerback until his seventh and final selection, and there’s speculation that the player (Ryan Watts) may transition to safety. Khan decided to aggressively attack the offensive line by drafting three players, including Troy Fautanu and Zach Frazier in the first and second rounds. The cornerback position was neglected as a result.
Veteran cover man Donte Jackson, acquired via the Diontae Johnson trade from Carolina, is expected to start opposite Porter Jr. on the boundary. I could see the undersized Bishop contending for reps at the nickel, where there isn’t a straightforward answer right now.
Cory Trice Jr., Kalon Barnes, and Anthony Averett are some of the other depth cornerbacks on the Steelers' roster, none of which are nickel corners by design. Patrick Peterson played 225 snaps inside last season. He's no longer with the team. Although Bishop is experienced with playing both the boundary and the nickel, most NFL scouts evaluated him as an inside cornerback throughout the pre-draft process.
Bishop thrived for the Mountaineers throughout 2023 after previously playing at Minnesota and Western Kentucky. Bishop led the nation in pass breakups (20) and passes defensed (24) this past season, and also added 67 total tackles and four interceptions to his defensive totals. His ability to contend the catch point was obvious on film.
Bishop is also an outstanding athlete with the speed required to match receivers stride for stride. The Louisville, Kentucky native ran the 40-yard dash in a blazing-fast 4.39 seconds at The Big 12 Pro Day. Bishop also showcased above-average change of direction ability by running a 4.15 shuttle.
Special teams often represent the quickest pathway for undrafted free agents to stick on the 53-man roster—it’s the most realistic way for them to earn playing time. Bishop is a dynamic kickoff and punt returner. Bishop returned a punt against North Carolina this past season for a 78-yard touchdown. He previously accumulated nearly 1,600 yards via kickoffs as the primary kick returner at Western Kentucky. With new kickoff rules in effect, Bishop is slated to make a big impact as a rookie on special teams.
The Steelers averaged a 15th-ranked 23.5 yards per kickoff return last season. They struggled to find a primary returner, with five different players combining for 24 returns. They also averaged 21st-ranked 8.6 yards via punt returns. Bishop could improve all units of the Steelers' special teams.
The Steelers showed consistent interest in Bishop throughout the process, hosting him on an in-person pre-draft visit. They have a clear plan for Bishop, who's capable of playing the nickel and via all special teams return units. Bishop already possesses the inside track to a 53-man roster spot.
