The Pittsburgh Steelers made a strategic move by signing undrafted free agent Beanie Bishop Jr. after the 2024 NFL Draft. Although Bishop, a standout at West Virginia University, had hoped to be drafted, he was ultimately overlooked. During his interview with the Steelers, he humorously admitted to exaggerating his achievements, but his confidence and determination impressed the team, leading to his signing. They had no idea what was in store as Bishop’s NFL journey began.
Bishop’s rookie season didn’t start smoothly. He was thrust into a starting role as the nickelback and immediately faced intense pressure from opposing quarterbacks, who targeted him early in the season. His initial performances were inconsistent, and it seemed the transition to the NFL might overwhelm him. The speed and intensity of the league posed significant challenges, and his struggles were evident in those early games.
However, a breakout performance against the New York Jets changed everything for Bishop. He intercepted Aaron Rodgers twice during that game, a key moment that boosted his confidence and signaled to the rest of the NFL that he was ready to compete at the highest level. Reflecting on the game during an appearance on The Christian Kuntz Podcast, Bishop noted that such performances can make opposing quarterbacks rethink targeting a rookie. His success helped put the league on notice and gave him a crucial confidence boost.
Bishop’s two interceptions against Rodgers were pivotal, as they not only helped the Steelers secure a 37-15 victory over the Jets but also shifted the narrative around his rookie season. Following that performance, Bishop intercepted another pass in the next game against the New York Giants. His ability to make big plays in back-to-back games was a clear sign that he was starting to find his rhythm in the NFL.
Despite his recent success, Bishop’s role as a rookie has not been without its challenges. While he has shown flashes of brilliance, he’s also experienced growing pains, especially as a player thrust into a starting role so early in his career. At times, his inexperience has been evident, and he’s occasionally been one of the weaker links in the defense. This is common for rookies, particularly those asked to step up in such a significant role.
The Steelers’ secondary has shown improvement in 2024, but it is still a work in progress. Both Joey Porter Jr. and Donte Jackson have had their own struggles, and while Cam Sutton’s return from suspension has been beneficial, he’s still working to regain his full form. The defense as a whole has been solid, but for the Steelers to become an elite unit, the secondary will need to perform at a higher level.
Although he’s not yet a finished product, Bishop has gained a great deal of confidence from his standout performances. His ability to make game-changing plays has proven that he’s capable of rising to the occasion. As the Steelers prepare for an upcoming matchup with the Baltimore Ravens and quarterback Lamar Jackson, Bishop will look to build on his success and continue to establish himself as a key contributor to Pittsburgh’s defensive backfield.
With his recent performances and continued development, Beanie Bishop Jr. appears to have a promising future ahead. While his rookie year has had its ups and downs, his ability to make impact plays has shown that he can be a valuable asset to the Steelers. As he gains more experience, Bishop is likely to become an increasingly important part of Pittsburgh’s defense.
