Here we go. The NFL draft media is going out of its way to will this pick into existence for the Pittsburgh Steelers. The latest mock draft from The Athletic doesn’t even try and hide their motivations for giving former Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. to the Steelers in the first round.
We have already broken down the reasons why the Steelers shouldn’t go after Porter in the first round and name recognition is a big one. Drafting him just because he is the son of former Steeler Joey Porter isn’t a reason. Here is what The Athletic had to say about the pick:
It was serendipity that the Steelers could make a legacy pick at a position of need, and I couldn’t pass on an opportunity to put another Joey Porter in black and gold. Joey Porter Jr. has a well-rounded game in press and off coverage, is a willing tackler and is aggressive at the catch point (although he had just one career interception). We’ll see what his 40 time is at the combine, but I’m confident he will be a success no matter where he lands.
I don’t think Porter is a bad prospect but in the context of the middle of the first round, the Steelers could do better. His lack of interceptions is a huge red flag and he would need to run a ridiculous 40 time to balance out that downside.
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