Patrick Graham Dispels Concerns Ramsey’s Absence Hurting Install: ‘Jalen Is In My Thought Process’
Jalen Ramsey is one of Patrick Graham’s most important defenders. How has he been managing with Ramsey sidelined? Pretty easily, apparently. The Steelers’ defensive coordinator spoke to reporters yesterday, addressing that very topic. The veteran DB has been sidelined with an injury since minicamp, but it hasn’t impeded the defensive installation process.
“Just because guys aren’t practicing, they’re still a part of it. Jalen is part of it”, Graham said of Ramsey, via transcript provided by the Steelers’ media department (also available via video). “Jalen is in my thought process. They’re all in my thought process, and it’s all in the coach’s thought process. Everything we do out there on the field, collectively — again, certain players come out and might highlight something a little bit different, but they’re all in the process of how we’re putting this thing together”.
Jalen Ramsey carved out a career as a lockdown corner, but has always viewed himself as a versatile defender. When the Steelers acquired him last year, he found it important that the organization thought so too. This year, Patrick Graham views him as his “Star” slot defender, a focal point of the defense.
While every team in the league has multiple slot defenders, some players are so rare that you simply can’t replicate their impact. Ramsey is such a player, doing things Brandin Echols can’t.
Although they may not be able to rep that with Ramsey sidelined, Graham insists they can certainly install it. And Ramsey is such a veteran who doesn’t necessarily need all of those on-field reps. Granted, I’ve previously expressed reservations about how his absence may impede the defense’s development. While Ramsey may know what he’s doing, those playing around him may be missing out from not having the hands-on experience of working with him.
But it’s not like the alternative—rushing him back and risking an aggravation or reinjury—is preferable. The Steelers will have Jalen Ramsey on the field when it makes sense, and no sooner. In the meantime, Graham is still building around him, as he does with the rest of his players. That includes CB Joey Porter Jr., another starter, and to a lesser extent, S DeShon Elliott. The Steelers have Elliott in a ramp-up protocol, returning from a 2025 season-ending injury.
On paper, Graham should get more out of Ramsey than Teryl Austin got last year. For most of last season, they had him playing outside cornerback or safety, the latter by necessity late in the year. At this stage of his career, he seems to fit best at the “Star” position. It allows him to exploit his accumulated wisdom, instincts, and the natural ability he still possesses.
And that isn’t going anywhere, even as he stands on the sidelines watching practice. His mind is still in the meeting rooms with the rest of the teammates who will work with Ramsey once the regular season rolls around.
