Labriola: Says CB Steelers Joey Porter Jr. Will Be The Rookie Who Has The Greatest Impact In 2023

Many considered the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 NFL Draft class haul to be one of the best of any team in the league. They were able to find their long-term answer at left tackle in Broderick Jones and added vital pieces on the defensive side of the ball in the form of Keeanu Benton and Nick Herbig. While all three of these young players have the opportunity to have long, successful careers in Pittsburgh, it may end up being the team's second-round selection, Joey Porter Jr., who has the biggest impact this upcoming season. 

With the Steelers in need of defensive backs who can help the defense keep up with the high-powered offenses in the AFC, it should come as no surprise that Porter is being widely projected as the member of the 2023 NFL Draft class who will be the most meaningful contributor during their rookie campaigns. During a recent edition of Asked and Answered, written by Bob Labriola of Steelers.com, he details why the former Penn State standout has the necessary intangibles to play a plethora of snaps in 2023. 

"Joey Porter Jr. He would be my pick as of late June because in addition to his skill-set, veteran Patrick Peterson has been quoted as saying while some young players believe they have all the answers, Porter wants to be coached, wants to learn, and wants to become great," answered Labriola. 

Will Porter Be A Day-One Starter On The Steelers' Defense?

As Labriola points out in his piece, Porter possesses a trait that is nearly impossible to teach, a desire to be great. Under the tutelage of Peterson, the rookie defensive back has reportedly been picking up the complexities of the team's defense rather quickly and is putting himself in an advantageous position to start right away at outside corner. However, this spot will not come easy, as 2022 starter, Levi Wallace is poised to build off a strong first season in Pittsburgh and keep his spot in 2023.

With that being said, there is still an opportunity for all three corners, Peterson, Wallace, and Porter Jr. to play significant snaps for the team's defense this upcoming season. Peterson, who has already expressed his openness to playing multiple roles, is more than a viable option in the slot when the team is in nickel defense. The former All-Pro will be 33 years old by the time the season starts, which makes the transition to playing inside a natural one. 

While the idea of this trio being on the field together at the same time seems sound, much of it will be contingent upon how quickly Porter can adjust to playing corner at the professional level. Defending NFL wide receivers is literally and metaphorically "a whole new ballgame," and it will inevitably take at least a few games before the rookie fully acclimates himself. The Steelers seem confident that Porter will adjust himself sooner rather than later, perhaps the biggest reason being the relationship he has formed with Peterson. 

Which Other Rookies Will Play A Significant Role In 2023?

Outside of Porter, there are a number of other first-year players who will have a tremendous opportunity to help the Steelers compete for an AFC North title such as Jones, Benton, Herbig, as well as tight end, Darnell Washington. Furthermore, there is another rookie corner, Cory Trice Jr., who may prove to be one of the best steals of the entire draft due to his impressive size and physical style of play. If all goes well, the Steelers may have found their starting cornerbacks of the future in Porter and Trice. It will only be a few weeks before we get to see these young stars in action! Practices in Latrobe can't come soon enough. 

Thoughts, Steeler Nation?

How do you feel about Labriola's belief that Porter will be the most impactful rookie in 2023? Which other members of the 2023 NFL Draft class are you excited to watch in training camp? Be sure to let us know in the comments! 

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