3 Steelers rookies who already look like starters in training camp

Steelers rookies looking like starters: 2. Joey Porter Jr.

Steelers fans appreciated the franchise spending a second-round pick on Porter Jr. after his dad’s excellent career with the franchise. The reality is that he’s got the talent required to boost the team’s secondary no matter what his last name happens to be.

Free agency departures make it a virtual lock that Porter is going to start the season as his team’s starter opposite veteran Patrick Peterson. The former Penn State standout has the physical tools required to compete with high-quality wideouts on the outside, but he will need to work on his technique to avoid committing too many penalties at the next level.

It would be wise for defensive coordinator Teryl Austin to avoid overexposing his rookie in the early season. That might blunt some of All-Pro safety Minkah Fitzpatrick’s ability to free-lance and make plays, but it will be better for the viability of the defense overall.

Fans might need to be patient with Porter Jr. in the early going but the coaching staff doesn’t have the luxury of easing him into meaningful snaps. He’ll need to play right away if Pittsburgh’s secondary is going to improve after an ugly 2022 campaign. The important thing for Porter Jr. will have the mental toughness required to move past mental mistakes he will inevitably make early in the regular season.