Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr. confidently claims NFL’s top cornerback spot

Porter Jr. was drafted 32nd overall by the Steelers in the 2023 draft.

Steelers’ Joey Porter Jr. confidently claims NFL’s top cornerback spot

Joey Porter Jr. (via IMAGO)

Freedom of speech is one of the pillars on which this country was built. It separates the USA from other nations as in this country, one can speak their way into relevance and greatness. At least Joey Porter Jr. believes he can. The cornerback for the Pittsburgh Steelers was drafted in the second round of the 2023 draft and finished with 11 starts in 17 games, 10 passes defended, 1 interception, and 43 combined tackles.

While some might have different opinions on those numbers, Joey Porter Jr. does not lack confidence. When asked by Mark Kaboly of The Athletic on who he believes is the best cornerback in the NFL, the sophomore was quick to respond with, “Me, for sure.” That’s mighty bold of him.

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Careful, Joey, your ego seems to be writing checks your body can’t cash. The corner went on to justify his assertion.

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There are a lot of good DBs in this league. Nobody was doing what I was doing going against WR1s the entire year and locking him down. I don't care if I am mentioned in there or not because they are going to hear my name eventually.
Joey Porter Jr. said

He has the attitude and the mindset for success, Porter Jr. finished fifth in the race to win Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Joey Porter Jr. has a long way to go before establishing himself as the best corner in the NFL

However, from a numbers perspective, he is far from the best corner in the NFL. That title belongs to Sauce Gardner of the New York Jets, who Pro Football Focus gave a grade of 90.8 for his coverage. In the same list, Porter Jr. features in at number 20. Definitely not bad for a rookie but he has a lot of competition to go past if he intends to get the title of the best CB in the NFL.

Joey Porter Jr
Joey Porter Jr (via IMAGO)

This year would be his best chance to put his money where his mouth is. Joey Porter Jr. will have the opportunity to go up against the likes of Ja’Marr Chase and Tee Higgins of the Cincinnati Bengals twice within five weeks. If he can lock them down and limit the damage they do, it would go a long way in supporting his arguments to be considered the best corner in the league.

He finds himself in the perfect environment to succeed. The Pittsburgh Steelers is an organization that has for the longest time been known for the physicality of the defense. For a player that intends to evolve into the best corner in the league, Mike Tomlin and Co. can get him there.

It would be wrong to underestimate Porter Jr.. While he had a good rookie year, the question is, will he be able to do the same consistently? He will have to if he intends to be the best in the NFL.

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