Doug Whaley questions Jalen Ramsey's suitability at slot corner for Pittsburgh Steelers in 2025

Pittsburgh Steelers former general manager Doug Whaley is convinced teams have likely already discovered how to take advantage of their scheme for Jalen Ramsey inside. With Pittsburgh set to deploy an All-Pro-loaded secondary in 2025, Doug Whaley cautions that Jalen Ramsey's size and approach might not transition quite as well inside, possibly leaving opponents with a decisive strategic advantage. With the Pittsburgh Steelers looking to have a loaded secondary with Jalen Ramsey, Joey Porter Jr., and Darius Slay, fans and coaches are hopeful about the group's capabilities. However, former Buffalo Bills general manager Doug Whaley has some doubts regarding how Jalen Ramsey's size could be hindrance when he's lined up against more agile and speedy slot receivers. During an interview with 93.7 The Fan, Doug Whaley explained his issues with the Steelers' defensive plan: “This is where I struggle with guys like him, Jalen Ramsey, because he’s tall,” Doug Whaley said. “Guys that are quick, and especially in that slot, they’re gonna be moving, and have a two-way go against a guy whose game is predicated on length. They have long, lengthy guys that need to press and get their hands on you. As an offensive coordinator, I’m going even 10 personnel and having two slot guys. That’s how I would attack the Steelers now.” Whaley continued that offensive coordinators could attack Jalen Ramsey by using formations such as 10 personnel with dual slot threats, putting him in challenging matchups.If opposing offenses take Whaley's counsel to heart, Pittsburgh may find offenses probing the slot frequently and early, testing Jalen Ramsey's lateral agility and reaction time. The danger, naturally, is that Ramsey's veteran experience and physical skills are still going to make him one of the toughest defenders to get around, no matter where he lines up. Also read: Taylor Swift’s surprise ‘Love Story’ duet with George Kittle had him losing it: “An absolute riot”The Pittsburgh Steelers might have the most skilled defensive backfield in football, but as Doug Whaley writes, even the greatest players need to be placed in positions of strength. Whether the Steelers stick Jalen Ramsey in a slot-only role or shuffle him throughout the secondary could decide how productive this overhauled unit becomes in 2025.