The Pittsburgh Steelers are maximizing Jalen Ramsey, but the veteran defensive back says the idea originated with former head coach Mike Tomlin. On The Pivot Podcast Monday, Ramsey explained that Tomlin envisioned a larger role for him last season. Injuries and shifting personnel needs prevented that plan from fully developing. Now, Defensive Coordinator Patrick Graham is trying to put that vision into action.
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Ex-Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin roams the practice field as his team works out during a 2025 training camp practice at St. Vincent College in Latrobe, PA.
Ramsey's versatility has made him valuable to Pittsburgh's secondary when injuries create openings. However, moving between assignments can prevent a player from settling into the situations where he is most effective. The Steelers needed Ramsey to cover weaknesses last season instead of deploying him strategically. His comments explain this year's approach.
Speaking with Clark, a former Steelers safety, Ramsey made a point of crediting Tomlin for recognizing his potential in a flexible role. He never suggested the previous coaching staff lacked a plan or failed to understand his abilities. Instead, he described how NFL demands forced him to put the team's immediate needs first.
"Let me give a shout-out to Mike [Tomlin]," Ramsey said Monday on The Pivot Podcast. "It was Mike T's vision for me last year. It just didn't unfold because of how things worked at different times. We had injuries. I had to play at different spots. I had to, at times, be the Band-Aid at certain different spots, and I just had to do what the team needed me to do."
That explanation is revealing because Ramsey isn't criticizing his former coach or complaining about his responsibilities. He understands that injuries can change a defensive game plan overnight. When important contributors are unavailable, a versatile veteran often becomes the solution to multiple problems. Ramsey accepted those assignments, even if they limited opportunities to play in his ideal role.
There is an important distinction between being capable of playing several positions and being deployed to create the greatest impact. Constant changes demand additional preparation, communication and adjustments with teammates. Graham appears determined to use Ramsey's flexibility more strategically, rather than moving him only when another position needs help. That approach could allow Pittsburgh to benefit from his instincts without sacrificing consistency.
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Steelers’ Patrick Graham watches warm-ups at Acrisure Stadium in 2026.
Ramsey said Graham was direct about what he wanted from the veteran this season. The coordinator's message focused on putting Ramsey in positions where his skills could influence games. His choice of words made the plan especially clear.
"This year, [Graham], he was like, 'Regardless, we're gonna keep you where we can weaponize you and activate you and try to get you activated in as many games as we can!'" Ramsey said.
That could mean using his experience, physicality and understanding of passing concepts to challenge quarterbacks in different ways. It does not necessarily mean Ramsey will stop moving around, but those moves can become purposeful instead of reactive.
Steelers Could Finally Realize Mike Tomlin's Vision For Jalen Ramsey
Pittsburgh's 27-6 victory over the Cleveland Browns offered another encouraging sign for a defense developing confidence under Graham. The Steelers enter their bye week at 6-2, providing an opportunity to refine assignments before the schedule intensifies. Ramsey's comments suggest the coaching staff has a clearer understanding of how it wants to feature him. That clarity matters for a secondary where communication and trust are essential.
The biggest takeaway is that Tomlin and Graham appear to have identified a similar opportunity. Tomlin originally saw a way to maximize Ramsey, but injuries required the defensive back to become a Band-Aid. Graham is now trying to preserve that original vision while making Ramsey a more intentional part of Pittsburgh's defensive plans. Ramsey's praise for both coaches suggests this is less about a philosophical disagreement and more about finally having the chance to execute the idea. That distinction could matter come January.
Can Patrick Graham unlock the role Mike Tomlin envisioned for Jalen Ramsey and help the Pittsburgh Steelers take another step forward defensively? Share your thoughts with me on X at @anthonyghalkias.
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