Forget family connection, Joey Porter Jr. would be smart pick for Steelers

Mel Kiper is the latest draft prognosticator to have the Pittsburgh Steelers picking Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr. in the first round. 

It would be a fascinating pick and story given that Joey Porter Sr. spent eight years as a player for the Steelers and several years as an assistant coach.

It would also be a very smart pick for the Steelers, and it has nothing to do with that family connection.

The Steelers have developed a habit in recent years of bringing in familiar bloodlines to build out their roster. A few years ago they signed fullback Derek Watt to join his brother, superstar outside linebacker T.J. Watt, and this past year they drafted tight end Connor Heyward, the younger brother of defensive end Cam Heyward. 

Running back Trey Edmunds, the brother of starting strong safety Terrell Edmunds, also spent several years on the roster. 

Drafting another Porter would certainly continue that trend, but there is a strong football argument to be made for him being the pick. 

Porter is not only one of the best cornerbacks in the 2022 class, but the Steelers could potentially have a significant need at that spot depending on how the offseason goes. 

Cameron Sutton, the team's top cornerback for the past two years, is set to be an unrestricted free agent this spring and has played his way into a significant contract. It is far from a given that the Steelers will be able to retain him. 

If he signs elsewhere that leaves the Steelers with like Levi Wallace, Ahkello Witherspoon, and Arthur Maulet at the position. Wallace is probably the only player on that list you would want to be a starter in the secondary. Not only would they need more depth at the spot, but they would also need another starting-caliber player.

Porter Jr. could be that sort of player. 

While he did not have flashy numbers at Penn State in terms of interceptions, that was largely due to the fact teams simply did not throw at him. That is a testament to his coverage ability. Along with that, he also has the size (6-feet-2) and physicality NFL teams love cornerbacks to have.   

The popular consensus surrounding the Steelers' draft is that they need to strengthen their offensive line and add playmakers around quarterback Kenny Pickett. While that is true, it is important to remember the Steelers still have two other very high picks in the 2023 class, including the No. 32 (from Chicago) and No. 49 picks. They will have more than enough opportunities to address the offense. If a potential top-tier cornerback like Porter Jr. is available, they have to consider it.