Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr., finds first pro home on Day 2 of the NFL Draft
Joey Porter Jr., has finally learned where he will continue his football journey. After surprisingly missing out on being picked in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft, the former Penn State second-team All-American cornerback was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the No. 32 pick in Round 2 on Friday.
Porter Jr., had 27 tackles (21 solo), 11 pass breakups and a fumble recovery last season. He started 10 games a year ago and 31 total in his career. He will now play for the team his father did.
“What’s not to love about this guy, he’s 6-2 ½, 193 pounds, he’s got left tackle arms at 34 inches,” ESPN Draft analyst Todd McShay said recently. “He also ran a 4.46 (seconds 40-yard dash), better than people expected at the Combine for his size. He’s an outstanding press-man corner with the instincts, body control and physicality. Not great in terms of interceptions, but he had 11 pass breakups last year.”
While the cornerback is surely thrilled to finally hear his name called, it was later than planned. He was expected to become the first Penn State defensive back picked in the first round. That drought continues, however.
That said, Porter Jr., is still the first former Penn State player to go in this year’s pro selection process. He is not expected to be the last, though. As many as five or six Nittany Lions could go off the board between now and the end of round seven on Saturday night
Porter Jr., leaves big shoes to fill
First, Sports Info Solutions tells NFL fans what they will see in Porter Jr, writing:
“Porter projects as a starting outside corner at the next level in any scheme. While he needs some technique work in press, he still has the physicality and athleticism to be solid most of the time. However, letting him be more reactionary off the ball or in zones may suit him more early on.
“On 3rd downs, letting him press and be physical with receivers to disrupt their route timing may be his best usage, though allowing him to read the eyes of the quarterback could force some turnovers. He has the H/W/S and physicality to play on some special teams units, namely as a jammer on punt returns.”
As for what is left in State College, Kalen King will step into the top role, with Johnny Dixon, Daequan Hardy, and Cam Miller rounding out the team’s top four cornerbacks. An expected fifth, Storm Duck, decided to re-enter the transfer portal after spring practice. He is now at Louisville. But, the Lions will reload instead of completely rebuilding their cornerbacks room in 2023.
