The Pittsburgh Steelers are expected to have one of the better defensive units in the league during the 2025 NFL season. A lot of that is due to the star power on that side of the ball, especially along the defensive front. TJ Watt, Alex Highsmith, and Cam Heyward are all dominant and can provide serious pressure when playing the pass, but Pittsburgh now has one of the best defensive back rooms in the league as well. Joey Porter Jr., Jalen Ramsey, and Darius Slay should be able to lockdown any group of receivers, and the talent in the cornerback room doesn't stop there.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers defensive back Jalen Ramsey (5) during his first training camp with Pittsburgh in 2025 in Latrobe, PA.
Outside of the talent of Ramsey, Slay, and Porter, Pittsburgh has some formidable cornerbacks on the roster. Beanie Bishop Jr. and Brandin Echols are duking it out at slot cornerback. Ramsey would probably play the position in most personnel packages, but when the Steelers need more defensive backs on the field, either Echols or Bishop will be lining up there as well. Echols was signed in free agency, and according to Defensive Coordinator Teryl Austin, he has been impressing heavily throughout training camp.
Steelers DC Teryl Austin said CB Brandin Echols has been "outstanding" in training camp.
— Ray Fittipaldo (@rayfitt1) August 18, 2025
Echols has plenty of experience as he was a quality player for the New York Jets for the majority of the last four seasons. Pittsburgh values experience and versatility, and he has shown the ability to play in the slot and on the outside. He has all the tools that this coaching staff typically looks for, which should set him up to be a reserve that will make a positive impact throughout the regular season in 2025.
Over the last four seasons, Echols has played in 57 games and recorded five interceptions and 122 total tackles. He is a willing tackler, and he has good ball skills as he has 16 pass breakups. He might not see a ton of opportunities during the 2025 season due to how loaded the cornerback room is at the top, but the coaching staff at least knows that they have a veteran with valuable experience that is used to making plays.
Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (X: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during 2025 training camp in Latrobe, PA.
Echols being impressive is good for the defense, but his play could make it so fans see very little of Beanie Bishop Jr. in 2025. Bishop was an exciting player to watch during his rookie season in 2024. He played well in training camp and was able to become the team's starting slot cornerback, despite being an undrafted free agent. He won the heart of the fan base on several occasions as he recorded four interceptions, including two off of Aaron Rodgers. Echols' experience and versatility probably makes him more valuable than a player like Bishop, which will make it hard for the second-year player to get on the field.
Steelers' Brandin Echols Should Be Top Backup Throughout The Secondary
Echols is not going to be a starter, but he should be the top backup at multiple positions. This includes outside cornerback, and maybe even in the slot. He has played meaningful snaps at both spots before in his career, and he should be able to fill in wherever he is needed.
New York Jets
Cornerback Brandin Echols (26) during his time with the New York Jets.
Bishop should still be able to make the roster, but it will be interesting to see how often he is able to get onto the field. He doesn't provide much value on special teams, so there is world where he isn't on the final 53-man roster at all. Pittsburgh truly has an embarrassment of riches at cornerback. It is going to be interesting to see how the final roster shakes out, and who sees the field the most outside of the starters.
What do you think about Austin's remarks on Echols? What do you expect from him in 2025? Let us know in the comments below!
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