PITTSBURGH -- The Pittsburgh Steelers have a clear plan for new cornerback Brandin Echols. Echols signed with the team during free agency, coming from the New York Jets.
Now, with the Steelers, Echols talked about his role with the team on Thursday. Echols can play outside or slot cornerback. He says the team has him playing outside for now, but he is still learning the nickel’s responsibilities in the playbook.
“If I had to shift inside, I feel like I’d be pretty comfortable. I know what I’m doing, I know what’s going on, so with the experience that I already got playing there, I just come out here and apply it, and it’ll become my normal,” Echols said.
Echols played just 150 snaps in the slot throughout his Jets career, and he even admitted that his body type is that of an outside cornerback. Of course, his body of work showcases a versatile player who can be a ballhawk.
Echols’ calling card is his ability to force turnovers. He has five career interceptions, including three in limited opportunities over the last two seasons.
No matter the position, Echols is prepared to take on the scheme and has already researched the specifics.
“Inside, you got more control over what’s going on on defense, because depending on what side you’re in, depends on what’s going on. Unlike corner, corner you’re getting told basically what to do here, and it’s kind of a free game at corner,” Echols said.
Beanie Bishop, who said he was the first-team slot cornerback on Tuesday, is in a battle with seventh-round pick Donte Kent for that spot.