National media outlet adds to the chip on Steelers CB Joey Porter Jr.'s shoulder with disrespectful ranking
To this point, it's hard to find criticisms for Joey Porter Jr. when analyzing his rookie season. No one is saying he's the best corner in the league (Well, besides him) but he had one of the best rookie campaigns you will see from a CB. Yet, according to PFF, he's dead last when ranking […]
To this point, it's hard to find criticisms for Joey Porter Jr. when analyzing his rookie season.
No one is saying he's the best corner in the league (Well, besides him) but he had one of the best rookie campaigns you will see from a CB.
Yet, according to PFF, he's dead last when ranking the top 32 corners in the NFL:
Porter Jr. Ranked Dead Last
Porter concludes the list, as he turned in an excellent rookie season for the Steelers in 2023. His coverage grades took a hit the last few weeks of the season but he was still preventing separation at a high level. He allowed just one touchdown pass and just 0.76 yards per cover snap in 2023. – PFF
This is where PFF loses me. Typically, the outlet doesn't look fondly on Steelers players, but Porter Jr. was consistently among their highest-rated players throughout the season.
So to see him ranked below players like Stephon Gilmore, who has yet to find a team and is still a free agent, or Jaycee Horn who has struggled to stay on the field in Carolina is head-scratching.
But Porter Jr. has had a chip on his shoulder ever since he fell out of the first round on draft night, and little tidbits like this will only add to his motivation, something he's already spoken about during OTAs:
“I don’t care if I am mentioned in there (among the best) or not because they are going to hear my name eventually," Porter Jr. told Mark Kaboly of The Athletic during OTAs last week. "I’m feeling confident right now. It was about five pounds [added], maybe. I’m really trying to play at 205 this year. I fluctuate from 198 to 200. It’s kinda weird because I’m big for my position, so being 200 was not a big deal for me. But at 205 I can be physical in the run game and on the line [of scrimmage]…
"…Covering No. 1 wide receivers forces you to grow up fast. I feel like I took on that challenge and showed I could hang with them. That’s something hopefully I can continue to do this year.”
Now, the pressure on Porter Jr. is much higher in 2024, and the tasks won't be any easier, especially after putting a target on his back. Teams now have more than half a season's worth of film on JPJ and the "Oh, he's a rookie" excuse will no longer be viable.
Even still, I think Porter Jr. shines.
Pittsburgh Steelers Immaculate Grid cheat codes for every other team in the NFL
Trivia game is a fun offseason activity for football fans
