The Pittsburgh Steelers found a hidden gem after the 2024 NFL Draft in Beanie Bishop Jr. Despite going undrafted, the Steelers felt fortunate to sign him shortly after the draft. With Cam Sutton suspended for eight games, Bishop quickly seized the opportunity to claim the starting nickelback position. Although he faced challenges early in the season and was targeted heavily during a matchup against the Dallas Cowboys, he refused to be deterred.
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Steelers' Beanie Bishop Jr. runs with the football after intercepting Jets' Aaron Rodgers.
Bishop's resilience shone through as he delivered back-to-back standout performances in prime time against the New York Jets and New York Giants. Over those two games, he recorded an impressive three interceptions, showcasing his ability to make game-changing plays. This surge in production not only bolstered his confidence but also highlighted his potential to be a key contributor to the Steelers' defense moving forward.
Despite his remarkable performances, Bishop's achievements have been overlooked in the betting markets, where teammate Payton Wilson holds odds of +2500 for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Bishop, however, is not even listed, reflecting a surprising lack of recognition from DraftKings and other platforms.
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Steelers' Payton Wilson getting ready to make a play.
Several factors influence betting markets, and one significant reason Bishop isn’t listed for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award is that he went undrafted. Just being recognized as a candidate would be a considerable achievement for an undrafted free agent. However, his last two games have been such strong breakout performances that they certainly warrant consideration, especially when Wilson is included on the list.
This isn’t to downplay Wilson’s contributions; he has been exceptional in making key tackles and being a playmaker all over the field. Yet, Bishop's interceptions have directly led to victories for the Steelers, showcasing his impact on the game.
Another critical factor in this situation is that Sutton is now eligible to return to the starting lineup after serving his eight-game suspension. Sutton rejoined the Steelers in the 2024 offseason following legal issues that resulted in his release from the Detroit Lions.
Steelers' Beanie Bishop Likely To Lose Playing Time To Cam Sutton
Despite Bishop’s impressive play, reports indicate that the Steelers are eagerly anticipating Sutton’s return. His experience and leadership are valuable assets, and the team seems poised to reinstate him as a key contributor, potentially impacting Bishop's role moving forward.
As a result, Bishop is likely to see a reduction in playing time, which could hinder his chances of being considered for the Defensive Rookie of the Year Award. Nevertheless, Bishop has proven to be a tremendous asset for the Steelers. Going undrafted and stepping into the starting nickelback role is no easy feat, yet he has navigated early struggles and made significant impacts in critical moments.
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Steelers' Cam Sutton intercepts a pass intended for Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Tyler Boyd during the second quarter Sept. 11, 2022 in Cincinnati.
The return of Sutton will undoubtedly strengthen the secondary with his veteran leadership. However, Bishop has already demonstrated that he can be a valuable contributor, making him a promising addition to the Steelers’ defense for years to come.
The team has been searching for a reliable nickelback since allowing Mike Hilton to depart, and with Sutton's comeback and Bishop's improved performances, fans are beginning to feel optimistic about the future of the nickel position. Bishop expressed confidence that his splash play will continue. It'll be exciting to see how the Steelers plan to use Bishop with the return of Sutton.
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