The Pittsburgh Steelers outperformed expectations in the first half of the 2024 season, which is surprising considering all of the young players they’ve been forced to call upon this year. Because of injuries to the offensive line, rookies Zach Frazier and Mason McCormick were thrust into action early. When Frazier got hurt, it was Ryan McCollum who took over.
But there’s another rookie who is earning league-wide recognition for his outstanding run before Pittsburgh’s Week 9 bye. Undrafted cornerback Beanie Bishop Jr. has been named the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month.
.@_sbx2 has been named @NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month for October 💪
📝: https://t.co/fYYVBgupAF pic.twitter.com/7Cv6Spgf8Q
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) October 31, 2024
This comes after Bishop combined to earn three interceptions in his previous two games before entering the Steelers’ Week 9 bye. Considering there are just over four months in an NFL season and only one player can earn this honor per month, this is quite an accomplishment.
Steelers might have something special in Beanie Bishop Jr.
Bishop’s career has been a rollercoaster ride so far. During OTAs, Bishop was already earning first-team reps. This continued throughout camp and into the season. While his run defense was better than expected, Bishop struggled mightily in coverage over his first six games of the year.
That could change with a few more splash plays in the second half of the year.
Bishop’s three interceptions are an impressive feat for a player less than halfway through his rookie season. After the bye, however, it stands to reason that veteran CB Cameron Sutton could cut into Bishop’s production. Sutton has been reinstated to return from his eight-game suspension after the bye.
Bishop will continue to have his growing pains, but Pittsburgh Steelers fans have to be thrilled with the splash plays and takeaways he created in October. It’s nice to see a lesser-known player earn NFL Defensive Rookie of the Month honors.
