Former Steelers CB Ike Taylor Thinks Joey Porter Jr. Will Have A Quick Development; Be A "Step Ahead" Of Himself

Pittsburgh Steelers fans were elated when Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. was selected by the team in the 2023 NFL Draft. The way he played at the cornerback position was very old-school and intense at the collegiate level. It reminded fans a lot of his father Joey Porter Sr. who was a Pro Bowl linebacker for the organization from 1999-2006. Then when Draft Day came, the Steelers took Porter Jr. with the 32nd overall pick. This was a surprise, as he was expected to be drafted in the first round. When he wasn't, it made him possibly the biggest steal of the draft. At 22 years old, expectations are high as he is believed to be the future of the Steelers secondary.

The Steelers Need A Fast Transition Into The League From Porter Jr.

Another player that Porter Jr. has drawn comparisons to is former Steelers cornerback, Ike Taylor. Taylor is the reason that Porter asked to wear 24 when he got drafted. Porter Jr. is wearing his number because Taylor played with his father when in Pittsburgh. The two became close and Taylor became like an uncle figure to him. Both of these players have a similar build and playstyle, so Porter Jr. could look a lot like him when out on the field and have a similar career.

Taylor thinks that Porter Jr. could progress much faster than he did however, when entering the league. Recently on the Bleav in Steelers podcast, Taylor made note that because Porter has been playing the cornerback position for so long, that he could be a step ahead of himself this season. If true, having Porter Jr. make a fast transition into the league would be just what the Steelers need for their secondary.

"JP Jr. has been playing corner all his life. He's going to be a step ahead of me because he's been playing that position longer than me. So, his transition might not have to take him to the second year like it took me. He can just get it [experience] in training camp because he's splitting first-team reps right now at OTAs and minicamp. So, by the time he gets to training camp and gets his reps, gets his feet underneath him, and understands the system, he can get that ASAP."

Taylor would go on to say that the biggest thing that will make Porter NFL-ready is the competition he goes against in practice. Playing in Pittsburgh, he will get to see a bit of everything, from running backs to wide receivers. At running back, he will go against two unique players in Najee Harris and Jaylen Warren who both have unique skill sets. Then at wide receiver, there is about as much diversity that you could ask for. The Steelers have Calvin Austin III who is one of the fastest receivers in the league when healthy. George Pickens looked like a monster for the Steelers last year and gives any defender nightmares to cover. There is also Diontae Johnson, a great route runner who gives a tough challenge. All this and not even mentioning the tight ends or the recently signed Allen Robinson will give Porter a unique challenge day in and day out.

"Usually, teams don't have three types of bodies, three types of receivers. That's exactly what coming to Pittsburgh, as a cornerback, you have. You have a freak in George Pickens. You have probably one of the best route runners in Diontae. And Calvin III is probably one of the fastest guys in the NFL once he gets back healthy." Taylor would then state, "For JP Jr. he is going to be straight regardless because he has all those kinds of body types when it comes down to the receiving position."

One of the most impactful players for the development of Porter will be in the Steelers' cornerback room. Future Hall of Famer Patrick Peterson will be the guy to show him the ropes this year. He was brought in over the offseason and will most likely be the number-one guy for the Steelers. Peterson is an eight-time Pro Bowler, a 2010's All-Decade Team member, and it seems that he will be heading to Canton at the end of his career. He makes the perfect guy to teach this young cornerback in Porter Jr.

So, what do you think, Steeler Nation? Will Porter Jr. develop quickly into the NFL's next star? Let me know in the comments below!

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