The Pittsburgh Steelers and Joe Porter Jr. have been linked since the fall, with the two having mutual inerest in each other given the Steelers need at corner, and Porter Jr.'s ties to the black and gold. 

The Son of fan favorite and Super Bowl Champion Linebacker Joey Porter Sr., Porter Jr. is a name that fans would love to see in the modern version of the Steelers defense. 

But before we become ecstatic that Porter Jr. is a Steeler, or upset that the team may have passed or missed on him, let's dive into what the player actually provides on the field and if he fits in Pittsburgh's secondary. 

Joey Porter Jr., CB, Penn State. 

My #3 CB in the #NFLDraft2023
Joey Porter Jr., PSU

Grade: 6.45 (Good starter, mid to late 1st round)

Length that rivals offense tackles with physical presence as a boundary corner, fit is the only concern. pic.twitter.com/kzHuGCgEjz

— Rob Gregson (@NFL_Rob) April 24, 2023

Here is my full evaluation on Porter Jr.:

One Liner:

A lengthy press corner who isn’t an elite athlete but has the makings to be a dominant press corner at the next level.

Pros:

• Created player when it comes to his frame.
• Excellent height, athletic musculature, arm length that rivals offensive tackles.
• Father was a Super Bowl Champion with the Pittsburgh Steelers.
• Tons of on ball, press alignment, showing he’s ready to be an NFL man-to-man corner.
• Very aware with noticeable football instincts and spatial awareness.
• Arm length and hip drop makes him a plus one in the run fit.
• Tight coverage on slants and routes that cross his face.
• Absolutely strapped the Purdue Wr corps, breaking up everything in sight.

Cons:

• Flat-footed at the line of scrimmage too often, feet should mirror his hands.
• Let’s wideouts garner free releases despite being in their grill. Needs to use his hands more often especially when in traditional press coverage.
• Way too grabby downfield.
• Can become out of control in his breaks, lacking the feet to stop on a dime.
• Good speed but not elite in his ability to open up and chase in breakers.
• Appreciate the pass breakups but would like to see more end up going the other way.

Summary:

Porter Jr. Is a dominant press corner that can play the Pocket of pass catchers and mirror and match both underneath and over the top. He isn’t silky smooth or effortlessly fast, but his physicality, length, and instincts have the makings of a suitable NFL corner for years to come.  

If the Steelers stay put on draft night and Porter Jr. is still on the board at 17, despite his scheme structure, I think he can work in Pittsburgh's defense, as he has the dimensions to become an elite corner with work on his fluidity.