Steelers Now
PITTSBURGH — Pittsburgh Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin revealed on Thursday that it’s been decided star cornerback Jalen Ramsey will go up against Tampa Bay Buccaneers All-Pro wide receiver Mike Evans in Thursday’s joint practice. It was a no-brainer, too.
“Jalen (Ramsey) is going to get it. Some people may hate it, and I love that competitive spirit in the collective, but I think it’s already been decided,” Tomlin said.
Ramsey wanting Evans is not surprising, as he made it clear on The Pivot that he’s at the top of the hierarchy in the cornerbacks room.
Ramsey is chomping at the bit to get Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Ja’Marr Chase, who was a Triple Crown winner last season.
That’s me,” Ramsey said. “That’s J. That’s (No.) 5 for now. And Joey’s gonna get his (opportunities). But that’s 5 right now. That’s 5.”
Ramsey also said he’s been at the front of the line for one-on-ones during training camp at St. Vincent College.
“They know who’s going first,” Ramsey said. “And Slay’s so chill, right? Slay’s my dog, me and Slay have a great relationship. Slay already knew what type of timing I was on. … He was like, ‘Nah, J, I need that.’ I’m like, ‘After me, though. You gonna get that action. After me. Let me do my thing, then you’re gonna get your action.’”
Ramsey said he sat down with Darius Slay, Joey Porter Jr. and Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin at the beginning of training camp. Tomlin made it clear who the top cover man would be.
“He even butted in and told (those) two, like, ‘Hey, J’s gonna be the guy right now. And we’re gonna get you yours, too. But J’s gonna be the one popping it off. We’re gonna give the people what they want. J’s gonna be the one.’”
Brendan Howe contributed reporting for this story.
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Star CB Jalen Ramsey Will Get Mike Evans in Thursday’s Joint Practice
