If there is one spot on the Pittsburgh Steelers defense that seems to have adequate depth, it's cornerback. After years of lacking reliable answers at the position, Joey Porter Jr. has brought stability to the corner spot. Pittsburgh also signed Jamel Dean in the offseason, retained Asante Samuel Jr., and drafted Daylen Everette. Jalen Ramsey will serve as a chess piece in the defense as well. This depth sparked speculation that the fifth cornerback spot remained up in the air. However, one name keeps returning to the forefront: Brandin Echols. His role might be more important than people realize.
Mike DeFabo of The Athletic discussed Echols on his podcast, The Yinziders, with Jenna Harner, declaring him an important piece of the defense.
"He's your back up to Jalen Ramsey at the star position right now. And he also has versatility," DeFabo said of Echols. "If you want to play dime or you want to do other things, he's a great guy."
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Echols Can Carve Out a Solid Role With the Steelers
DeFabo also called Echols an important player on the defense despite flying under the radar. Echols could prove to be a lock for the roster by the time training camp and the preseason conclude. As DeFabo points out, Echols' versatility is critical at this point. The Steelers lack a definitive answer at slot cornerback outside of Ramsey and Echols. Everette could potentially grow into that role, but Pittsburgh likely prefers not to throw him into the fire early.
Last season, Echols grew his snap count from 10 in Week 1 to a peak of 62 three weeks later. He averaged 46% of defensive snaps in the 2025 regular season. At minimum, Echols proved himself a solid contributor for the Steelers. Despite a new coaching staff in Pittsburgh, Echols appears to have a defined role early on. In fact, not only do his teammates like him, but the new coaching staff has also praised him.
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Echols Has Support From Teammates and the New Steelers Coaching Staff
Last offseason, Echols and quarterback Aaron Rodgers both spoke fondly of each other, recalling their time together with the New York Jets. Rodgers even shared some humorous anecdotes. Still, Echols having the Steelers quarterback's support carries real significance. Rodgers holds a strong voice on the roster, and his coaching staff will undoubtedly listen to him. Echols will still need to perform, but he has a key teammate in his corner.
New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has also voiced his excitement for Echols, praising his football IQ during OTAs and mandatory minicamp. Graham likes to deploy his personnel across a variety of spots and roles, and Echols' ability to play inside-out at cornerback could make him a valuable piece of Graham's defense. At worst, Echols could serve as a strong rotational player.
DeFabo makes a strong case that Echols is an important piece of this defense. His versatility, along with the support of his teammates and coaching staff, makes his roster spot a strong one.
