Steelers Now
UNITY TWP, Pa. — It’s much better to have Jalen Ramsey than not. Fellow Pittsburgh Steelers newcomers Jonnu Smith and Robert Woods already knew what the three-time first-team Associated Press All-Pro provided as a teammate.
During a pair of training camp practices over the weekend, everyone else found out, too.
Ramsey displayed on the field just why Steelers general manager Omar Khan and head coach Mike Tomlin saw it fit to give up Minkah Fitzpatrick to get him. Ramsey expertly shadowed DK Metcalf in man coverage. He took on a blocking Pat Freiermuth, doing his part to curb a Kenneth Gainwell reception in the flat.
Most notably, he leaped in front of an Aaron Rodgers pass for an interception.
Jalen Ramsey and DeShon Elliott talk some before #Steelers practice. #HereWeGo pic.twitter.com/TfaKhRAkFw
— Brendan Howe (@bybrendanhowe) July 26, 2025
“That one? Probably the first time,” said Smith, the intended receiver, of the pick. “That was an amazing play by an amazing player.”
And a demonstration that Ramsey’s reputation as an outspoken coverman shouldn’t eclipse his talent checking would-be pass-catchers.
“His game is not just about trash talking,” said Smith, who arrived in Pittsburgh via the same trade that netted Ramsey. “I think real ones know, and they respect the work that he actually puts out on the field, so you adhere to that more.”
Woods played with Ramsey for two seasons and change with the Los Angeles Rams. The two helped Sean McVay’s team to a Super Bowl LVI title. Woods sees the same things out of Ramsey that he did then.
“Everything he’s always brought — energy, being a physical corner, his mouth,” Woods said Tuesday. “Jalen’s one of my favorite players, favorite corners I’ve played against. And just his energy that he brings to come out here every single day and show up, he doesn’t give any breaks, any passes.”
Ramsey can do it from different spots on the field, too. His versatility makes him an intriguing piece within the Steelers’ defense.
“He can line it up anywhere,” Smith said. “I said it the other day. If you asked me Jalen’s position right now, I would just say he plays defense, so having that guy fly around the ball, I know the type of competitor he is. Everybody in this Pittsburgh organization, this Pittsburgh Steelers community, I’m sure they’re seeing that as well.
“It’s good to have 5 on our side.”
This article originally appeared on Steelers Now: Steelers Teammates Rave About Jalen Ramsey: ‘Real Ones Know’
