West Virginia All-American CB Signed by the Steelers
After the NFL Draft, the Pittsburgh Steelers signed one All-American.
Pittsburgh After the 2024 NFL Draft, former West Virginia cornerback Beanie Bishop signed an undrafted free agent contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
As a member of the Mountaineers in 2023, Bishop was named a consensus All-American. He led collegiate football in pass breakups (20) and forced incompletions (17) overall. To his record, he also contributed 67 total tackles and four interceptions.
After spending a year at Minnesota and three years at Western Kentucky, Bishop transferred to West Virginia.
Bishop participated in the 2024 Big 12 Pro Day, impressing scouts throughout the NFL with his 4.39 40 Yard Dash and 4.15 Shuttle Drill, after not being invited to the 2024 NFL Draft Combine.
Bishop had some reservations about his game going into the draft. His height of 5’9″ is relatively short for a cornerback, considering the average height of a defensive back in the NFL is 5’11.5″.
Bishop’s vertical testing from the Big 12 Pro Day raises additional concerns. Bishop’s 33.5-inch vertical on the drill would tie him for second-worst amongst the cornerbacks that took part in the NFL Combine. The poorest result came from undrafted player Dwight McGlothern, who shot a 32-inch vertical.
Notwithstanding his shortcomings, Bishop’s ability to stay high-energy throughout the game, stick with receivers, and move quickly throughout transitions allowed him to be named a collegiate All-American. With the Steelers, Bishop now has an opportunity to establish himself on the professional scene.
He will have an opportunity to battle for a roster position in Pittsburgh this summer against players like Cory Trice, Darius Rush, and fellow rookie Ryan Watts.