Joey Porter Jr., will attend the 2023 NFL Draft with plans to make Penn State history
STATE COLLEGE — The Penn State football program has never had a defensive back picked in the first round of the NFL Draft despite its long, accomplished history. Joey Porter Jr., is all but guaranteed to change that, though. And, if so, he’ll be there to witness the moment when it happens.
The All-American cornerback and projected day one selection revealed at the Lions’ Pro Day on Friday that he has been invited to attend this year’s pro selection process and will. It starts April 27 in Kansas City, Mo. He is the first Penn State player invited to attend since Micah Parsons.
“It feels great to fall in that line with other great athletes that went to Penn State, and I could follow up and be the next,” Porter Jr., said. “Since a young age, I’ve been watching this and watch people walk across that stage. So, I’m definitely happy I could put on that hat and hold the little jersey. So, yeah, I’m excited.”
For those who are curious, former PSU safety Bryan Scott currently holds the record as the highest-picked former Penn State safety or corner. He went to Atlanta in Round 2 of the 2003 NFL Draft.
Porter Jr., is confident he will end the Penn State drought
Most media mock drafts suggest Porter Jr., will be one of the first 25 players taken. In fact, most have him inside of the top 15. So, his confidence in ending the Penn State first-round defensive back drought is well warranted.
“It’s definitely amazing that I am going be the first,” Porter Jr., said. “I’m going to go down in history at Penn State. So, that’s something I can come back and show my kids that. Definitely a special moment. I’m going to be the first, and really just set the tone for what’s coming behind me.”
While there is certainty around Porter Jr., going within the first 31 picks (the Miami Dolphins had to forfeit theirs; otherwise there would be 32 per the usual), where the Pittsburgh native and son of Steelers great Joey Porter will end up isn’t as clear. He’s been predicted to go everywhere from Pittsburgh to New England to Washington. In the month and change before the Draft begins, he’ll likely be projected elsewhere, too.
Regardless, whoever picks the Penn State star will get freakish length, plenty of speed, and a player with a knack for finding the ball.
Porter Jr., is ready to find his next team and also make history for his former one in the process.
“Definitely a monkey jumped off my back [today], because I had [Pro Day] to worry about,” Porter Jr., said. “Definitely got some more meetings and [visits] down the line. But, I’m really just towards the back end [of the draft process].
“I’m really grateful to be at the back end. I know a lot of people who haven’t been through this process before. So, I can’t really complain too much. But, I am happy it’s kind of getting over.”
