Jaquan Brisker's Presence Could Unlock Jalen Ramsey as Steelers' Chess Piece

The Pittsburgh Steelerstraded for Jalen Ramsey last summer in a massive exchange of talent. They traded away Minkah Fitzpatrick while also acquiring Jonnu Smith. The plan was for Ramsey to play cornerback across the secondary. However, after the Steelers suddenly released Juan Thornhill and found no clear answer at free safety, it forced Ramsey into that role. Despite lingering questions at free safety once again, an insider believes Ramsey will primarily play slot cornerback this season. The reason traces back to a free agency signing from this past offseason.

Mark Kaboly of the Pat McAfee Show appeared on 93.7 The Fan and named Jaquan Brisker as the reason Ramsey won't be forced to stay at free safety again.

"Funny thing is, Brisker can do very much of the same," Kaboly said of Brisker filling Ramsey's role at safety. "Other than that, I don't think Brisker can play corner."

Can Brisker Be a Game Changer at Safety?

Brisker's mold and production reflect that of a modern strong safety. He recorded 90 or more tackles in three of his four NFL seasons, including a total of 12 tackles for loss. However, he also played free safety during his time with the Chicago Bears. In his rookie season, the team projected him to hold that role long term, but his versatility proved too valuable to keep him there.

Over his last two full seasons, Brisker totaled 17 pass defenses, two interceptions, and two forced fumbles. His strongest trait on film has been run support, but he's flashed enough ability to operate as an effective free safety too. That could prove crucial as defensive coordinator Patrick Graham looks to use Ramsey in ways predecessor Teryl Austin never managed.

Brisker Will Enable Ramsey to Be Steelers' Chess Piece

Graham prefers a scheme built around strategic Cover-2 press man coverage. Brisker is athletic enough to handle the shell-safety role, which would free Ramsey to press as the slot corner. Ramsey creates matchup problems for most slot receivers and still closes on the ball with excellent speed.

Brisker has also proven to be an excellent blitzer, racking up seven career sacks. That gives the Steelers added flexibility to blitz him from free safety or deploy him in a variety of sub-package situations. Combined with his already strong run defense, his blitzing ability could make him a valuable piece on early run downs within those sub-packages. Graham has shown he likes to move his personnel around to create problems for opposing offenses.

Time will tell whether Brisker can handle enough of the load to keep Ramsey at slot corner and free him to roam the defense. But as Kaboly suggests, Brisker looks more than capable of filling a variety of roles than not.