Beanie Bishop, UDFA CB for the Pittsburgh Steelers, was named OTA Stand Out.
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Although the Pittsburgh Steelers’ seven rookies that they selected during the NFL Draft have garnered much of the attention this offseason, at least one player who stood out during organized team activities (OTAs) may be a gem in the rough.
Undrafted free agent cornerback Beanie Bishop was recently highlighted by the Steelers as one of the “three sleepers” who stood out during the Steelers’ three weeks of organized team activities.
“Bishop is up there with the most impressive player to come out of this period, and I very much think that he is positioning himself in an excellent spot to make a roster push in training camp and the preseason,” says Nick Farabaugh in the Washington Post.”He has faced numerous challenges, including from fellow rookie wide receiver Roman Wilson, and I would say that Bishop has stuck out from the crowd.”
At Milan Puskar Stadium in Morgantown, West Virginia, on September 16, 2023, Pittsburgh Panthers Bub Means (0) catches a pass while being covered by West Virginia Mountaineers Beanie Bishop Jr. (11). Michael Longo/For USA Today Network / USA TODAY NETWORK / All Steelers Provided
Following his rise to popularity as one of the Steelers’ undrafted free agency signings and his inclusion on the 53-man roster, the West Virginia product’s name won’t come as a surprise.
Bishop was small for his position as outside cornerback in college, standing only 5 feet 9 inches. But Bishop was still able to have a successful collegiate career in spite of the regular hardship of having to play higher-class receivers.
It wasn’t until his fourth season (2021) that he had a breakthrough in his career at Western Kentucky, where he began his career and played for the Hilltoppers for three years as a reserve. With three interceptions—one of which was recovered for a touchdown—and one forced fumble, Bishop appeared in 13 games and finished with 42 tackles and 6.5 for a loss.
Before transferring to Minnesota, his productive breakout season earned him a spot on the first team of the Conference USA. Nevertheless, he only played for the Golden Gophers for one season before moving to West Virginia for the most recent year.
After recording 67 tackles, four interceptions, and 20 pass breakups in his sixth and final season, Bishop was named to the second team of the All-American and the first team of the Big-12 defensive backfield.
But Bishop will likely go to nickel cornerback as he fights for a spot on the squad. As of now, Bishop appears to be adjusting to the new role without any issues.