PITTSBURGH (93.7 The Fan) – In well-respected ESPN draft expert Mel Kiper’s latest mock draft, the Steelers drafting Joey Porter, Junior out of Penn State. Listen to another long-time expert, who says Porter won’t be available by pick 17.
Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline has been covering drafts since the 1990’s, not only does he have Porter gone, but long gone.
“Joey Porter is my first corner off the board at number six,” Pauline said on 93.7 The Fan. “I would be shocked, shocked if he gets out of the top 12.”
If you looked at just interceptions or even passes defended, you might wonder why. Porter has ONE career interception. That came against Indiana in 2021. The 6’2” corner had only 20 passes defended. If he were only judged on those, you might not know that the former Steelers linebacker’s kid played or at least not see him in the first round.
The reality is he was so good, teams didn’t throw at him.
You’ll see why if you watch the combine drills. His natural ability, speed, good lateral movement and length. Porter is also praised for how he never gets beat deep, the play always stays in front of him. His cover skills are NFL ready and he can play man or zone.
Here is another inside, Penn State broadcaster Steve Jones tells 93.7 The Fan his father was not once a problem. Several times Joey, Sr. was noticeable, to say the least, while he son played high school games. Dad was never once a problem at Penn State according to Jones.
“He was a good player for three years at Penn State,” Pauline said on 93.7 The Fan. “You could tell as a freshman at Happy Valley that he would be a real good NFL prospect. He’s large, good size for a cornerback. He plays nasty football like his father did. He’s got a lot of ball skills. He’s very athletic.”
“He needs polish on his game. He’s not the complete cornerback yet, but he has a tremendous amount of upside. When you look at the physical nature. The way he mixes it up with receivers. The way he attacks the ball. How he defends the run. You add the size and I expect a real good 40 time from him.”
“You are looking at a guy that has number one starting cornerback potential. Those guys go early.”
So early that while there are only 16 selections before him. The Pro Football Network expert repeated.
“I would be shocked if he falls out of the top 12.”