Joey Porter Jr.
Position: Head Dog 2023 statistics*: 57 times targeted Allowing 27 receptions, or 47.4%, only gave up 404 yards and one touchdown. Six interceptions and one pass breakup 37 stops, 6 aided stops, and 6 missed stops (12.2%) Following an outstanding first campaign, Porter is getting a lot of trust from the Steelers. Porter will be seen as the Steelers’ best cornerback, even though Donte Jackson is the group’s veteran. He spent the most of his rookie season playing left corner (525 snaps), but he also saw time at right corner (200 snaps) and the slot (45 snaps), indicating Pittsburgh’s belief that he can be moved around the field to produce more advantageous matchups.
Although Porter isn’t exactly a lockdown corner right now, he did demonstrate a tendency to show up during crucial occasions. His breakthrough performance against Baltimore in Week 5 is arguably the most memorable. Up until then, the Steelers had been gradually increasing Porter’s snap total, and he repaid them with a game-winning interception of Lamar Jackson. Pittsburgh would seize the lead on the subsequent drive, making it the game’s turning point. Porter would be the starting lineup going forward. For the remainder of the game, he never played fewer than 47 snaps in a game, but he did not record another interception.
Porter’s game still has room for growth. Every now and then, stronger receivers might cause Porter to misjudge a jab attempt, allowing them to gain the upper hand while he regains equilibrium. In their Week 17 game, Seattle’s DK Metcalf defeated Porter several times in this fashion. I wouldn’t describe Porter as a good tackler, but he did shown a greater willingness to tackle than his predraft evaluations gave him credit for. Jackson Donte
Williams and Anderson are equally severe long shots. Despite having excellent stature (6’3 and 192 pounds with 33 1/2″ arms), Anderson played his final season as a safety. Williams, a Pitt player, is well-known to Pittsburgh locals. At 5’8″ and 176 pounds, he is a shorter prospect who also tested below average in terms of athletic ability. Conclusion: More is required. Going forward, the Steelers have grave concerns about their cornerback position. Even if they prefer players like Rush and Trice, it would be inconceivable for them to sit idle with so little demonstrated quality behind the top two players on the depth chart. Offering Averett a one-year deal and ensuring he reports to camp in August is how they start this.