The Pittsburgh Steelers had their players report to Latrobe for training camp on Wednesday, and they kicked off their first practice on Thursday morning. Throughout these practices are when fans will be able to get a better idea of who is playing where, and who has the hierarchy in certain position battles. An intriguing battle to keep an eye comes at slot corner, especially after Cam Sutton was given an eight-game suspension by the NFL.
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Cornerback Cam Sutton prior to a Pittsburgh Steelers' game.
Fans kind of had an idea of the pecking order in that spot behind Sutton. Both Beanie Bishop Jr. and Josiah Scott were expected to be competing for the job. However, during the first day of practice a surprising name was thrown into the mix: DeShon Elliot. Elliot was signed in free agency as a safety, and is expected to start there in Pittsburgh's base defense. However, it looks like the team may be experimenting with him at the nickel according to Chris Adamski.
The comically early indications are that the reg-season opening slot/nickel job is a competition between rookie Beanie Bishop and DeShon Elliott
— Chris Adamski (@C_AdamskiTrib) July 25, 2024
(Elliott is a starting safety so when he moves to the slot then DKazee comes on at safety)
When Elliot was signed by Pittsburgh, it was assumed he would be taking Damontae Kazee's starting job. Now, Kazee may see meaningful playing time if Elliot is who the team wants to rely on in the slot. Elliot is more comfortable at safety, but he should have a decent chance of beating out the undrafted rookie in Bishop for the slot corner job.
Sebastian Foltz / Pittsburgh Post-Gazette
Steelers Beanie Bishop during 2024 Rookie Minicamp.
Bishop went undrafted in the 2024 NFL Draft, but he has still managed to be one of the more talked about rookies on Pittsburgh heading into the 2024 season. He almost seems like a sure thing when it comes to making the final 53-man roster, which is not something that can often be said about an undrafted rookie. He also has a legitimate chance to contribute to the Steelers immediately, as he took first-team reps on Thursday, according to Jim Wexell.
Undrafted rookie Beanie Bishop of WVU the slot CB with the first team. That’s a promotion from the spring.
— James C Wexell (@jimwexell) July 25, 2024
It can be argued that there was no better spot for Bishop to sign after he didn't hear his name called during the draft. Pittsburgh had a revolving door at slot corner during the 2023 season after having a consistent starter there for the six years before that between Mike Hilton and Sutton. Hilton was undrafted as well, and Pittsburgh may have found their next diamond in the rough in Bishop if he is able to win the starting job.
Sutton will still be back after he serves his eight-game suspension, but if either Bishop or Elliot impresses, it may be hard for Sutton to find a way on to the field.
Karl Roser / Pittsburgh Steelers
Steelers' DeShon Elliott takes a knee during OTAs in 2024.
Steelers' DeShon Elliot Has Some Experience In The Slot
Elliot is primarily a safety, and throughout his time with the Miami Dolphins, Baltimore Ravens, and Detroit Lions that is where he primarily played. He does have over 300 snaps taken in the slot throughout his career, including 97 in 2023. The only issue is, Elliot's strengths don't necessarily align with what a slot cornerback is supposed to do.
The sixth-year safety is known for his tackling, and being a force when it comes to stopping the run. This is extremely valuable from the safety spot, and he is able to cover deep zones well too. However, in 2023 he allowed 21 receptions on 31 targets while he was back in coverage. Coverage is a big responsibility of a slot corner, especially if the defense is in man-to-man. If he beats out Bishop it must mean he has improved that area of his game, but based off recent history Pittsburgh may be better off taking a chance on the undrafted rookie.
What do you think of Elliot competing for the slot corner job? Let us know in the comments below!
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