The Pittsburgh Steelers had high hopes for 2023 second-round draft pick Joey Porter Jr. out of Penn State. After taking some time to earn his place, Porter became a key starter on Pittsburgh's 2023 defense that helped earn a Wild Card game. With Pittsburgh's 2024 campaign approaching, Porter is eager to build on his stellar rookie season and prove that he is worthy of being called a shutdown NFL cornerback. During the Steelers' 2024 Organized Team Activities (OTAs), Porter put his offseason work on display.
Joey Porter Jr. at the Pittsburgh Steelers' 2023 training camp
The Steelers began 2024 OTAs on Tuesday, and the competition is already heating up. Early during the 2023 season, Porter struggled mightily when it came to tackling, something that the Steelers tend to ask cornerbacks to do quite a bit. When speaking to the media during the second day of OTAs, Porter made it clear that he is planning to use his bulked-up size to ensure he tackles with the same ability as he covers opposing receivers.
“I feel good. Really, I’m feeling confident right now. It was about five pounds, maybe. I’m really trying to play at 205 last year. I fluctuate from 198 to 200. It’s kinda weird because I’m big for my position, so being 200 was not a big deal for me. But at 205, I can be physical in the run game and on the line... I can feel it coming a little bit. You know, I really want this to be ready by the time training camp rolls around. That’s what I’m shooting for right now.”
The Steelers have given every indication that Porter will be an important part of the team's 2024 defensive approach. With game-changing defenders like TJ Watt and Minkah Fitzpatrick ready to hit the ground running, Porter will be able to contribute to one of the most talented, expensive defenses in the league.
Pittsburgh's 2023 season was one that the defense would rather forget. While the Steelers' defense was pretty much the only reason why the team managed to reach the 2023 Wild Card round, it was hardly a smooth season. Injuries decimated the linebackers' position group, Patrick Peterson ended up being more of a liability than the eventual Hall of Fame defender expected, and the entire squad limped to the finish line. After a 2024 offseason dedicated to adding talent and depth throughout the roster, the team feels ready to take on the grind of an NFL season.
For Porter, staying healthy will be priority number one, and the added weight and strength should certainly help with that. The more versatile Porter can be, the more creative the defensive approach can be for the entire group. With a 2023 rookie season that earned Porter a Defensive Rookie of the Year nomination, the expectations for the upcoming season are even higher. With OTAs just getting underway, it's promising to see that Porter is taking his growth seriously as well.
Steelers Need To Rely On Defense
As exciting as Pittsburgh's rebuilt quarterback room is, that isn't where the focus of the team will be in 2024. Russell Wilson and Justin Fields will be competing for the starting job under center, the offensive line is sorting itself out, and many eyes will be watching to see whether George Pickens can be a number one NFL receiver. With an offense that will be getting its bearings, the most important thing for Pittsburgh's success in 2024 is that the defense answers the call each and every time.
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Quarterback Justin Fields throwing before a Chicago Bears game.
Porter will be tasked with shutting down opponents' best receivers, something he proved quite adept at during his rookie season. With added size, Porter is giving himself every additional advantage he can get during those downfield battles. With one of the hardest schedules in the NFL coming up, the 2024 Steelers will be defined by how well the defense was able to support the offense. If the Steelers can give a new offensive attack the time to grow into a smooth-running machine, then the 2024 season could end up being one of the more promising ones in a long time.
