Steelers must get rookie defender more involved

The Steelers seem to have something good in their second-round pick from the 2023 NFL Draft. After the first three weeks, he hasn't seen the field as much as some anticipated. That must change.

Cornerback Joey Porter Jr., the No. 32 overall pick and son of former LB Joey Porter, has allowed just one catch for 12 yards and a passer rating of 39.6 on 45 coverage snaps, per NFL Rookie Watch. It is the lowest passer rating any rookie cornerback has allowed this season (min. 32 snaps).

For reference, opposing quarterbacks would have the same passer rating throwing the ball into the ground as they do throwing at Porter Jr.

The 23-year-old was the draft selection Pittsburgh acquired from the Bears in the WR Chase Claypool trade, which continues to look better by the day.

The rookie corner has impressed to say the least, starting with making an interception in his first preseason game, and most recently, making the game-winning deflection in Week 2.

However, with veteran cornerbacks Patrick Peterson and Levi Wallace in front of Porter Jr., it's been difficult for him to see the field consistently.

Peterson and Wallace struggled the first two weeks of the season but combined for three interceptions on "Sunday Night Football" against the Raiders.

Nonetheless, Porter Jr.'s snaps have almost doubled every week, which certainly gives fans hope that will continue. Defensive coordinator Teryl Austin is open to the idea.

"We'll continue to see if he can continue to do things well. There's a possibility of expanding his role," Austin said. "As he gets better and gets more snaps, if he earns it, then we'll give him more reps."