Joey Porter Jr.’s contract situation opened the door for Steelers rookie to ball out and he’s done exactly that in practice
The Steelers made some notable additions to the secondary over the offseason and third-round rookie Daylen Everette is one of them. So far, he’s making the most out the extra opportunities he’s received during practice.
OTAs and minicamp are great spots for rookies because it allows them to learn the playbook and get reps at a far slower pace than training camp, and the regular season, provide.
Pittsburgh Steelers rookie CB Daylen Everette has certainly used the last few weeks of practice to his advantage, especially the extra reps he’s been able to amass thanks to Joey Porter Jr.’s contract situation.
For those who don’t remember, Porter Jr. limited his availability during OTAs in hopes of receiving a contract extension from the Steelers. That obviously didn’t happen, but what did happen is Everette played well enough to where he’s been listed as the “biggest surprise” on the Steelers’ roster, so far:
Everette, one of the Steelers’ three third-round draft picks, turned heads with a larger-than-expected role in minicamp, as cornerback Joey Porter Jr. limited his participation while hoping for a contract extension. The player out of Georgia held his own as he battled with wide receiver DK Metcalf and got his hands on several passes.
brooke pryor
ESPN
Daylen Everette’s ascension may not be too big a surprise for those paying close attention
It’s no surprise to see Everette a part of this list after the spring and early summer he just had. The Steelers have always coveted traits at the cornerback position and Everette has them in spades. At over 6-foot-0 and close to 200 pounds with 4.4 if not 4.3 speed, he’s the lengthy, brawny type of corner that Pittsburgh has acquired.
The top of that corner room has its starters with Joey Porter Jr. and Jamel Dean. But Dean is essentially on a one year deal when you break down the financials. If Everette continues to build his momentum into preseason, the Steelers will find a role for him in their nickel package. From there, the path to being starter isn’t a confusing one.
Everette may need some polishing, but Patrick Graham is betting that he can get the most out of him, and that looks to be true so far.
If Everette can provide both an immediate and long-term impact, well, I’d venture to say the Steelers found of the 2026 NFL Draft’s brightest gems.