Steelers perfect offseason plan in 3 steps

1. Draft Joey Porter, Jr.

The Steelers are a franchise that values its history but they aren’t going to draft someone for sentimental reasons. If they select Porter, Jr. in Round 1 it won’t have anything to do with the fact that his father was a third-round choice for the franchise back in 1999.

The former Penn State star is just what the Pittsburgh secondary needs if it wants to change its attitude heading into the 2023 season. He’s a physical corner with quality athleticism and a real willingness to challenge for the ball once it’s in the air. He didn’t produce a ton of turnovers during his collegiate career but he did break up a healthy percentage of passes thrown his way.

Landing Porter, Jr. could even be possible for Pittsburgh if they stand pat with the No. 17 overall selection in April’s draft. They might prefer a top-tier tackle fall to them at that spot, but the chances of a quality corner like Porter Jr. slipping are much higher.

Pittsburgh doesn’t reach for talent in the draft just to fit their needs, but their current first-round pick represents a nice meeting point of need and value. Porter Jr. going to the Steelers wouldn’t just be a good story, it would be a great fit on the field for a defense that needs more pop at cornerback.