Five things to know about Steelers undrafted rookie CB

Undrafted rookie cornerback Beanie Bishop has been one of the best stories and biggest stars of Steelers training camp thus far.

Bishop has quickly earned the respect of his coaches and teammates, and on Tuesday, he was listed as the starting nickel corner on the depth chart ahead of Friday night’s preseason matchup against the Houston Texans.

With that in mind, here are five things you should know about Pittsburgh’s rising star.

1. Highly experienced rookie

Before Bishop’s breakout season at West Virginia in 2023, during which he led the nation in both pass breakups and passes defended on his way to being named a first-team All-American, he played at two other colleges in five years. 

In 2022, he played for Minnesota; from 2018-21, he played for Western Kentucky.

As a result, the 24-year-old has a ton of snaps under his belt, which is likely why he’s had the early success he’s had in training camp.

2. More than just a corner

The Steelers signed Bishop after he recorded a career-high 67 tackles, four interceptions, and 20 passes defensed as a cornerback, but he has excelled in other areas.

He also returned punts and kickoffs throughout his collegiate career and was pretty good at them. In 2023, he returned a punt 78 yards for a touchdown.

Pittsburgh has yet to utilize Bishop in special teams during practice, but it may look his way if the team is underwhelmed by what it sees in the preseason.

3. Small but physical

One of the biggest reasons Bishop likely went undrafted was because he is undersized at 5-foot-10, 184 pounds.

Of course, he can’t change that, so he plays with an extra edge to prove his size is not what defines him.

“I always play with a chip on my shoulder,” Bishop said.

4. Studying Mike Hilton tape

This isn’t the Steelers’ first experience with an undrafted rookie cornerback making a name for himself on defense.

Veteran cornerback Mike Hilton’s NFL career began similarly in 2016. He has since established himself as one of the league’s best slot corners and is entering his ninth season after earning a four-year, $24 million payday from the Cincinnati Bengals in 2021.

Bishop can’t ignore the similarities and has already begun to mold his game after Hilton’s.

“I was studying some of his tape,” Bishop added. “You always evolve as a player. Everybody takes a piece of somebody else’s game and try to tweak it for their own personal use.”

5. Not taking anything for granted

While Bishop has taken most of the first-team reps at slot corner, he knows better than anyone that he is far from guaranteed the job without playing a down in the stadium.

“I have to come back tomorrow and prove myself again and do the same thing the next day,” Bishop said. “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 will get his first opportunity to prove he can be relied on Friday, and if he continues to play the way he has in camp, the job will be his sooner rather than later.

All quotations obtained firsthand unless otherwise noted.