The connections between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Penn State cornerback, Joey Porter Jr. continue. The fact that his father Joey played eight seasons for the Steelers was always going to connect the two sides. The black and gold organization has valued the family element over the years, a sense of familiarity when bringing a player or coach in. They’ve had several brother duos over the years, including the Watt's and Heyward's at the moment.
Photo Credit: Matt Freed/Post-Gazette
The fact that the Steelers have three selections in the first two rounds makes the likelihood even greater. Cornerback is a major need, which of course helps as well. At the 2023 NFL Combine this week, the connection between the Steelers and Porter continues to grow. When speaking to reporters on Thursday, he wasn't shy about the prospect of staying in Pittsburgh via Mike DeFabo of The Athletic:
"It would mean a lot for me and my family. Staying at home would mean a lot," Porter said via DeFabo's tweeted video.
Yes, he did admit that he met with Bill Belichick and the New England Patriots as well. That would sting for his father and Steelers fans. He seems to be a guaranteed first-round selection at this point, meaning he could be in play for the black and gold's 17th overall pick. As for their second selection, 32nd overall and the first pick of the second round, Porter may not be around at that point.
#PennState DB Joey Porter Jr. says it would mean a lot to be the fist corner off the board.
— Devin Jackson (@RealD_Jackson) March 2, 2023
“There’s a reason that I’m DB1, I think I’m the best corner here.”
Also added that his dad, #Steelers legend Joey Porter, told him that he wants Jr. to be better than him.#NFLCombine pic.twitter.com/aZWf9xQuLQ
Porter Jr certainly cherished his time around the Steelers locker room.
"I just came in to be a sponge with every guy that was in the facility. They didn't really have too much time to talk to me or tell me too much information, but yeah it was a great experience."
Karl Roser/Pittsburgh Steelers
Former Steelers LB weighs in on Porter Jr.
A fellow former Steeler linebacker Vince Williams has stepped in to advocate for the team's selection of the Penn State cornerback:
Lil Peezy to the Steelers. I need it.
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) March 2, 2023
Draft JPJ and give him number 27 lol
— Vince Williams (@VinnyVidiVici98) March 2, 2023
Porter has been the most popular selection for the Steelers in mock drafts around the league, and rightfully so. It's no secret that the team is interested in him and needs a corner. In fact, they've met with several high-end cornerbacks in preparation for the 2023 NFL Draft. That tells you that the front office realizes how big of a need it is for the back-end of the black and gold defense.
Do you guys want the front office to select Porter Jr. in the 2023 NFL Draft? What do you think the upside is for his NFL career? Who do you think the team will eventually take with the 17th overall pick? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
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