BE #26

Brandin Echols

Cornerback · Kentucky

A sixth-round steal out of Kentucky who has intercepted seven passes and returned two for touchdowns across his career.

Brandin Echols has outperformed his draft slot since New York took him in the sixth round in 2021, developing into a reliable cornerback known by the nickname 'Breezy.' After four seasons with the Jets, he signed with the Steelers in 2025 to continue his career in Pittsburgh.

★ Sixth-round pick, 2021 NFL Draft (No. 200 overall)

★ Seven career interceptions, including two returned for touchdowns

★ Four seasons as a Jets starter/rotational cornerback before signing with Pittsburgh

Path to the league

Echols began at Northwest Mississippi Community College, earning second-team NJCAA All-American honors, before transferring to Kentucky, where he switched from wide receiver to defensive back and became a two-year starter. The New York Jets selected him in the sixth round, 200th overall, of the 2021 NFL Draft.

Career highlights

Echols started as a rookie cornerback for the Jets in 2021 before injuries and depth competition limited his role in later seasons. Over four years in New York, he compiled the bulk of his career totals of 170 tackles, seven interceptions, two defensive touchdowns and 22 pass deflections.

2025 season recap

Echols signed a two-year contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers in March 2025, his first move outside the Jets organization, continuing his role as a veteran cornerback in Pittsburgh's secondary.