By John Toth
With the Pittsburgh Steelers 6-8 and looking more and more like they will
miss the playoffs in 2022, we will spend some time in future articles going over
potential players the Steelers may look at. Of course, this is early in the draft
process and chances are some of these players either may not be available or may
drop out of first round consideration.
The Steelers have needs on both sides of the ball. The offensive line could
use some help, especially at the tackle position. The defensive line needs some
youth and depth as soon as possible with their best player being the 33-year-old
Cameron Heyward and let’s not forget the linebacker position where this
franchise loves to reach for the next big one. We will dip into what I believe
could be the biggest problem area of all. Pittsburgh’s secondary has very little
depth and beyond Minkah Fitzpatrick, they lack a big-time player.
How does Levi Wallace and Cameron Sutton sound to you? No, they are not
dime or nickel corners—they are the Steelers starters. The Steelers have some
talent on the defensive side of the ball with T.J. Watt, Cameron Heyward, Minkah
Fitzpatrick, and I am now willing to add Alex Highsmith to this list. There is a
player coming out in this year’s draft who plays the style that Pittsburgh loves,
and his name may sound familiar to you.
Joey Porter spent 8 seasons with the Pittsburgh Steelers and was a big part
of some great Steelers teams. His son Joey Porter Jr. is a 6 ft 2 in 194 lb.
cornerback out of Penn St., and North Allegheny High School. Porter Jr. was a 4-
star recruit known for his athleticism and hard-hitting capabilities. The Steelers
could use an athlete at the cornerback position, a position they have not hit in the
first round since Rod Woodson in 1987 (sorry Artie Burns, and Chad Scott).
Positives of Joey Porter Jr.
- Very fluid mover, good length for position
- Not afraid to come up and hit somebody, tackles well
- Powerful hands with great ball tracking skills
- Changes direction fluidly
- Confident player
Negatives of Joey Porter Jr.
- Sometimes physicality can cause pass interferences
- Plays emotional at times which can be detrimental
- Can be too aggressive in run coverage...play action can get him at times.
I would love the Joey Porter, Jr. pick for the Steelers in 2023. I also would
love the draft talk afterwards about the Steelers and how they try and take one of
their own, local guy again. Joey Porter Jr. is a big-time player who would add a lot
to the Pittsburgh Steelers in 2023.