A recent analysis highlights how new Pittsburgh Steelers safety Jaquan Brisker excelled in man coverage during the 2025 season, potentially addressing a weakness in the team's secondary. While Brisker struggled in zone coverage, his skills could complement existing players like Jalen Ramsey. The study suggests strategic alignments to maximize these strengths.
The Pittsburgh Steelers bolstered their safety position in free agency by signing Jaquan Brisker, known for his run defense, tackling, and pass-rushing abilities. A study by Clayton Eckert examines Brisker's coverage performance from the 2025 season, challenging perceptions of his weaknesses in this area among the top 32 safeties with at least 550 coverage snaps (qualifiers). Brisker posted a 74.5 man coverage grade, ranking fifth overall, with a 50 percent forced incompletion rate and three pass breakups—both second among peers. In contrast, Steelers safeties lagged in man coverage: DeShon Elliott at 62.1, Jabrill Peppers at 53.3, Kyle Dugger at 47.1, Chuck Clark at 46.7, and notably Jalen Ramsey at 41.3, the second-worst mark. Brisker's zone coverage grade was lower at 44.1, placing 27th out of 32 qualifiers, while Ramsey led with 77.2. Snap alignments provide context: Brisker played 441 snaps at free safety, 370 in the box, and 142 at the line of scrimmage. Ramsey logged 419 at free safety, 353 at slot corner, 157 in the box, and 157 at wide corner. The analysis recommends positioning Ramsey primarily in zone schemes where he excels, using Brisker for man coverage duties. Elliott, retained by the team, showed limitations in both schemes last season. Brisker, returning to his Pittsburgh hometown, offers a fresh dynamic despite some viewing him as redundant alongside Elliott.
