The question of the Pittsburgh Steelers drafting a cornerback in the 2023 NFL Draft is not a matter of if, but when. The secondary lost Cameron Sutton, but added veteran defender, Patrick Peterson this offseason. In terms of the cornerback position as a whole, however, the organization still needs help and a vision for the future. The franchise hasn't had much success drafting in this area for pretty much the entire 21st century. With one of the deepest classes in years, the front office can't afford to miss with whomever they take to play alongside Peterson.
Steelers newest cornerback, Patrick Peterson is introduced to the media as a member of the team. | Photo Credit: AP
A name that has been repeatedly brought up is Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. He is no stranger to the organization as his father, Joey Porter Sr., is a legend in the city for his nastiest and consistent nature. He was an All-Pro three different times during his eight years in Pittsburgh and was a critical piece on a defense that led the way for a Super Bowl Championship in the 2005 season.
Porter Jr. has been mocked all over the place and in some cases, even drops to the second round. Pittsburgh has met with and hosted a plethora of cornerbacks for pre-draft visits. The team only gets 30 of these, but Porter Jr. was labeled as a 'local visit' so he did not count against the number like the others did.
Porter Jr. joined The Rich Eisen Show on Friday and spoke a little bit about how his visit with the Steelers went and went into a little bit of detail when touching on what they talked about.
"The history of my dad and everything he's done for the sport and the Steelers. That comes to mind. They've talked to me about that a little bit; and what I could bring to the table. It was a great conversation."
Pittsburgh Steelers' potential first round draft pick, Joey Porter Jr. | Scott Taetsch / Getty Images
Pittsburgh and head coach Mike Tomlin, in particular, are known to value familiarity when it comes to bringing in new players. Most recently, the transition for now second-year quarterback, Kenny Pickett was almost seamless because the team and him shared a facility for the entirety of his collegiate career.
It would be no different for Porter Jr. He told Eisen that he has been around the team for some time and when he and Tomlin connected during the draft process, it was not even close to the first time.
"It was great. Haven't seen him in a while because I've been [at] Penn State and taking caring of business. Same as him. It was a good reunion to see him and some of the staff there. I've been going there since I was a kid. I've seen a lot of old faces. I already knew the facility."
Pittsburgh Steelers head coach, Mike Tomlin smiles on during 2022 training camp at Saint Vincent College in Latrobe, PA. | Jordan Schofield / SteelerNation (Twitter: @JSKO_PHOTO)
Steelers Can't Miss With Whomever They Pick At Cornerback
It's important for the Steelers to draft the best corner available when the time comes. That could be in the first or second round. Many believe there are may cornerbacks better than Porter Jr., but we will find out soon if the team values the familiarity factor more than the one with the highest ceiling.
This is a position the defense is desperate to have a young playmaker at. Porter Jr. recently met with the Baltimore Ravens as well, so the likelihood of him being in the division is becoming more and more possible.
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