nfl

Steelers draft Joey Porter Jr. — who saw that one coming?


Author: Tony CavalloPublished: 04/28/23
NFL Draft Joey Porter Jr. 2560x1440
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This cornerback brings his father's physicality to the defensive backfield and it is glorious to watch. The Pittsburgh Steelers just got themselves a DAWG. Might not have the quickness to be a slot corner but can cause the opposing wide receiver absolute fits when on an island near the sideline.

Joey Porter Jr. scouting report

  • Position: CB

  • School: Penn State (R-Jr.)

  • Measurables: 6'2, 193 pounds

  • Combine notes: 4.46s 40-yard dash, 97th percentile wingspan (80 7/8")

  • Where he wins: Excels in press man coverage and has great length to disrupt catches

  • Areas for improvement: Can get a little grabby which might cause a few unnecessary flags

The associated press selected Joey Porter Jr as a second-team All-American in 2022. He also made All-Big Ten and was selected as Penn State's Defensive MVP last season. He did opt out of playing in the 2023 Rose Bowl.

Obligatory Joey Porter Jr Highlight Reel

3 facts you probably didn't know about Joey Porter Jr.

  • Captain Obvious over here but he is the son of Pittsburgh Steelers legend Joey Porter and says he 'acts like his dad on the field, and acts like his mom off of it.' An agreeable strategy.

  • Regardless of how his career pans out, the dude has made it. He has a partnership with Chiptole.

  • His favorite moment of his father's career is when he riled up his team pregame with his infamous, 'They shot me in Denver!'

How does Joey Porter Jr. fit with Pittsburgh Steelers?

As we just noted, Porter Jr. kind of has black and gold in his blood thanks to good ol' dad, Joey Porter Sr. It felt like this was the pick the entire time, though the value of the Steelers drafting him at No. 32 instead of No. 17 feels like it's increased the pick's value ten-fold. The Steelers had some serious need at cornerback, and undoubtedly, Porter Jr. fits the bill in terms of team needs, pick value and of course, culture. The Steelers are in his blood, period.

Grade: A+

The Steelers got a first round cornerback in the second round. In fact, they essentially traded WR Chase Claypool for a first round corner. That's a win.


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