Night Two of the 2023 NFL Draft was another exhilarating evening as the Pittsburgh Steelers added three new players to their roster in the black and gold.
The Steelers made an impressive selection of cornerback Joey Porter Jr, defensive tackle Keeanu Benton, and tight end Darnell Washington during the second night of the draft. These three picks, combined with the first night’s acquisition of Broderick Jones through a trade-up, demonstrate the team’s strategy to address their weakest positions early on in the draft.
What makes these selections even more remarkable is the fact that all four players were projected to be drafted much earlier in the draft. However, other teams passed on these talented individuals, giving the Steelers a golden opportunity to snap them up and bolster their team.
Joey Porter Jr.
Yes, the son of Steelers legend Joey Porter Sr. He fell right into the Steelers laps at pick 32 and was basically gift wrapped.
There were many mocks that he’d go to the Steelers at pick 17 in the first round. He ultimately dropped and was the best cornerback on the board.
The Steelers could’ve easily traded back and gained extra draft capital but staying at 32 shows how much they value Joey Porter Jr.
It was a no-brainer selection. And not just because of his name and the legacy he’ll continue, but because it addresses a need and he’s a blue chip, lock down cornerback the Steelers were looking for.
His great frame, stickiness, and pairing with Patrick Peterson will surely make him a fun player to watch.
There might be questions where he’ll see time on the field initially. Steelers DC Teryl Austin stated Porter Jr will come in immediately, compete, and have every chance to start.
The fact they got him in the 2nd round is a dream come true, and we are excited to see how he’ll follow in his father’s footsteps.