The Pittsburgh Steelers under Mike Tomlin have been a consistent playoff threat, largely thanks to stringing together over a decade’s worth of strong draft classes and developing premier talent.
Defensively, whether it be T.J. Watt, Alex Highsmith, or Cam Heyward, among others, the foundation for the identity of the Pittsburgh Steelers has been forged through mining playmakers in the NFL Draft and seamlessly integrating them into the franchise’s culture of excellence on that side of the football.
Former Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. might be the Steelers’ next star in the making.
Pittsburgh Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr. named Pro Bowler to Watch in 2024
The son of franchise legend, former linebacker Joey Porter, Porter Jr. fell into the Steelers’ laps in the second round of the 2023 NFL Draft but showed significant promise as a rookie.
After being selected No. 32 overall in the 2023 NFL Draft, Porter Jr. produced 43 total tackles, intercepted one pass, broke up 10 more, and added one tackle for loss last season.
NFL Media analyst, and former NFL Scout, Bucky Brooks suggests Porter Jr. could push for his first career Pro Bowl appearance in his second season.
“The second-year pro is a dark-horse contender for Pro Bowl honors in 2024,” Brooks writes. “After thriving as the CB1 in Pittsburgh down the stretch last season. Porter’s toughness, tenacity, and tools make him a difficult matchup for pass catchers who lack the speed and physicality to escape his clutches at the line. Though he remains a work in progress on the island, Porter’s alpha-dog mentality and unshakeable confidence could enable him to shine without a polished game.”
While Porter’s physicality is certainly an asset, he was also penalized 12 times, which led rookie cornerbacks and may need to be a point of emphasis during training camp this summer to elevate his game to the next level this fall.
However, Pro Football Focus points out that opposing quarterbacks managed a meager 68.8 passer rating when throwing Porter Jr.’s direction last season.
Given that Porter Jr. already has a full NFL season under his belt, and the mentality to become a true shutdown cornerback, the 23-year-old has all the traits and the pedigree to develop into one of the top players at the position across the league.
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