Steelers Coaches Weigh Options for Jalen Ramsey

Mike McCarthy and Patrick Graham consider versatile roles for star cornerback

Apr. 5, 2026 at 10:46pm

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The Pittsburgh Steelers' coaching staff is evaluating how best to utilize star cornerback Jalen Ramsey in the upcoming season. Head coach Mike McCarthy and defensive coordinator Patrick Graham are exploring various defensive schemes and packages that could maximize Ramsey's exceptional coverage skills and playmaking ability.

Why it matters

Ramsey is one of the NFL's premier defensive backs, and how the Steelers choose to deploy him will have a significant impact on their defensive performance and overall success this season. The Steelers are looking to build on a strong 2025 campaign and make a deep playoff run, and Ramsey's versatility could be a key factor in their strategy.

The details

The Steelers' coaching staff is considering a range of options for Ramsey, including using him in traditional man-to-man coverage, as well as in more versatile zone and hybrid schemes. They are also exploring ways to leverage Ramsey's skills in blitz packages and as a roaming 'eraser' to help shut down opposing offenses.

  • The Steelers' coaching staff began evaluating Ramsey's role during the team's offseason program in April 2026.

The players

Mike McCarthy

The head coach of the Pittsburgh Steelers, tasked with overseeing the team's overall strategy and game planning.

Patrick Graham

The defensive coordinator of the Pittsburgh Steelers, responsible for designing and implementing the team's defensive schemes and packages.

Jalen Ramsey

A star cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers, known for his exceptional coverage skills and playmaking ability.

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What they’re saying

“Jalen is a special talent, and we're excited to find ways to maximize his impact on our defense this season.”

— Mike McCarthy, Head Coach, Pittsburgh Steelers

“We're exploring a variety of options to keep opposing offenses guessing and take advantage of Jalen's versatility.”

— Patrick Graham, Defensive Coordinator, Pittsburgh Steelers

What’s next

The Steelers' coaching staff will continue to evaluate Ramsey's role during the team's organized team activities (OTAs) and minicamp in the coming months, with the goal of finalizing their defensive game plan before the start of the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Steelers' ability to effectively utilize Jalen Ramsey's exceptional skills will be a key factor in their defensive success and overall performance this season. The coaching staff's willingness to explore a variety of schemes and packages to maximize Ramsey's impact demonstrates their commitment to building a championship-caliber defense.