The Pittsburgh Steelers chose to keep their 32nd overall pick and select Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr., son of the team’s former linebacker.
The 2023 NFL Draft began on Thursday night, with 31 picks in the books. The second night of the draft began with the 32nd overall pick, held by the Pittsburgh Steelers.
In the hours leading up to the second round, there were reports of teams looking to trade up to the Steelers’ spot, especially with those looking to acquire a quarterback, specifically Kentucky’s Will Levis or Tennessee’s Hendon Hooker.
Instead of trading away the pick, the Steelers stood pat to not only address an area of need, but to bring in the son of a former player.
With the 32nd pick, Pittsburgh selected Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the son of the former Pro Bowl linebacker by the same name
Let’s just say that the Steelers fanbase and the NFL world were hit right in the feels with their selection of Porter.
Steelers fans emotional after team drafts Joey Porter Jr.
And to think, Baltimore Ravens head coach John Harbaugh teased about the team potentially drafting Porter in the first round. That would have been a nightmare scenario for the Steelers. Luckily for them, that didn’t happen, and Porter found his way out of the first round.
Joey Porter Sr. played for the Steelers for eight seasons (1999-2006), where he made the Pro Bowl three times and was a part of the Super Bowl 40-winning team. In that time, Porter recorded 468 total tackles (339 solo, 129 assisted), 75 tackles for loss, 60 sacks, 42 defended passes, 17 forced fumbles and 10 interceptions.
The Steelers had the 32nd overall pick in this year’s NFL Draft due to the trade of wide receiver Chase Claypool, whom they sent to the Chicago Bears. That allowed them to have two picks relatively early and select two difference makers. First, it was Georgia offensive tackle Broderick Jones. Now, it’s Porter.
This past season with the Nittany Lions, Porter recorded 27 total tackles (21 solo, six assisted), 11 passes defended and one fumble recovery. In pass coverage, Porter allowed 15 receptions for 143 yards and zero touchdowns on 30 targets, per Pro Football Focus.
Joey Porter Jr. is a Pittsburgh Steeler. Like father, like son.
