Joey Porter Jr. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Eight-time Pro Bowler says Steelers rookie can be 'better' than him

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 6/11/23

The Steelers had what is believed to be one of the best draft classes in the NFL this year and a 12-year veteran thinks one rookie has an even higher ceiling than him.

Veteran CB Patrick Peterson, who signed a two-year deal with Pittsburgh this offseason, says he believes CB Joey Porter Jr. can be "better" than him from what he's seen.

Joey Porter Jr. is reportedly expected to be on the field “early and often” once the regular season gets underway.

Porter has reportedly been taking first team reps at OTA’s.

Patrick Peterson (Steelers CB) said in a recent interview that he believes Porter can be “better” than… pic.twitter.com/kKvVGwdDhy
— NFL Rookie Watch (@NFLRookieWatxh) June 8, 2023

It's high praise coming from a player of Peterson's caliber. Peterson is a three-time first-team All-Pro, has been named to the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team and has been elected to eight Pro Bowls.

Porter Jr. doesn't take Peterson's compliment lightly and is doing his best to soak up as much knowledge as possible.

"It means a lot. At the end of the day, that's Patrick Peterson. I've been watching his highlights since I was a little kid," Porter Jr. told reporters. "To be in a room with him and learn from him, that means a lot to me."

The 32-year-old is clearly on the back end of his career but will be a great mentor at the least in the Steelers' secondary.

For Porter Jr., there are certainly some high expectations as Pittsburgh's first second-round pick along with playing for his dad's old team. But he has already taken first-team reps and one thing is expected; Porter Jr. will be on the field "early and often" as a rookie in 2023.

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