Top CB prospect will make Steelers fans smile with his latest comment
Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr. mentioned at the NFL combine that being drafted by the Steelers, his father’s old team, would mean a lot to him
The Pittsburgh Steelers didn't make the playoffs in 2022 but they did do one thing pretty well, play defense.
Pittsburgh finished 13th in total defense and was tied for first in interceptions. However, there's always room for improvement.
One of the top cornerback prospects in the NFL draft, Joey Porter Jr., has been linked to the Steelers as a possible selection in the first round. If that were to happen, Porter would embrace it immensely.
“It would mean a lot for me and my family," Porter said."
There are multiple reasons why Porter feels that way.
Porter is the son of Joey Porter Sr. who was selected by the Steelers in the third round of the 1999 draft and played eight of his 13 NFL seasons in Pittsburgh. He made three Pro Bowls and was named an All-Pro three times during his time there and won Super Bowl XL with them as well in 2005.
The younger Porter attended North Catholic High School in Butler County, Pennsylvania before transferring to North Allegheny Senior High School in Wexford, Pennsylvania. Both cities are a part of the Pittsburgh metropolitan area.
Those are some strong ties to the Steelers and the city of Pittsburgh, and Porter would certainly have a high standard to live up to with how good his dad was. However, Porter explained that his father wants even greater for him on the professional level.
“My dad’s been there before. He’s done it,” Porter said at the NFL combine Thursday. “He always told me that he wants me to be better than him. So that’s what I’m trying to do, and that’s why I’m here."
During his college days, Porter wasn't a big interception guy, only snagging one. However, his man-to-man coverage skills are elite which helped him not allow a single touchdown in 2022.
Most people will look at the numbers for wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. of Ohio State against Penn State last season (10 receptions for 185 yards) and think that Porter got destroyed. That wasn't the case though if you watch the film, as Porter explained at the combine.
"I was talking to CJ [Stroud] on the field like, 'throw it my way, I'm getting bored out here'," said Porter.
April's draft has a plethora of talent at the cornerback position like Devon Witherspoon of Illinois, Christian Gonzalez of Oregon, and Deonte Banks of Maryland, and all could go in the first round. However, Porter sees himself as the cream of the crop.
“I feel like I’m CB1 for a reason,” said Porter. “I feel like I’m the best corner here, so I’m just here to really show my talents and prove why.”
Porter may be gone when the Steelers pick at 17 in the first round. If he's not, it will be hard for the Steelers to pass on him based on his skill set, and of course, his ties to the team and the city of Pittsburgh.
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