Steven Nelson doubts Jalen Ramsey’s 2025 performance; predicts WRs will dominate Steelers’ star cornerback

Former Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Steven Nelson isn’t buying into Jalen Ramsey’s hype for the 2025 NFL season. Nelson, who played for the Steelers from 2019-2020, took to Instagram to openly predict that Ramsey, a seven-time Pro Bowler, will struggle in coverage this year.

His bold claim is that wide receivers matched against Ramsey will have standout performances.

Former Steelers CB Steven Nelson questions Jalen Ramsey’s 2025 NFL performance

Nelson’s prediction comes shortly after Steelers head coach Mike Tomlin indicated that Ramsey would cover the Tampa Bay Buccaneers’ top receiver, Mike Evans, during a joint practice. Tomlin’s remarks seemed to position Ramsey as the Steelers’ CB1 over veterans Darius Slay and Joey Porter Jr. “Jalen’s going to get it. Some people may hate it, and I love that competitive spirit… but I think it’s already been decided,” Tomlin said, confirming Ramsey’s top role.Despite Tomlin’s endorsement, Nelson wasn’t impressed. “Easy money,” Nelson wrote on Instagram, urging fans to “take the over” on the wide receivers Ramsey guards. Nelson’s comments reflect skepticism about Ramsey’s ability to consistently shut down elite receivers, especially after reports from Rick Stroud of the Tampa Bay Times highlighted that Evans “won most of his battles with Steelers CB Jalen Ramsey” during practice.

Steelers’ 2025 cornerback strategy: How Jalen Ramsey’s role could impact performance

The Steelers’ cornerback deployment remains a topic of speculation. Ramsey has experience playing in the slot, but with Tomlin’s suggestion that he will follow the opposing team’s No. 1 receiver, Ramsey could be asked to cover a variety of targets all over the field. How this strategy will impact his 2025 performance remains uncertain, especially given the high expectations surrounding him.

Also Read: Matt Breida says no to Dolphins interest, ignites retirement talk at just 30Nelson, who retired in 2024 after stints with the Philadelphia Eagles and Houston Texans, isn’t the only one questioning Jalen Ramsey’s consistency. With the 2025 NFL season approaching, all eyes will be on how Ramsey adapts to the Steelers’ cornerback strategy and whether he can live up to his Pro Bowl reputation. His ability to cover top receivers across the field will be a key factor in Pittsburgh’s defensive success.

How Ramsey performs in this versatile role could shape the Steelers’ pass defense for the entire season.