Will flying below the radar assist Joey Porter Jr. develop in his third season?
The Steelers drafted Joey Porter Jr., envisioning him as their lockdown cornerback, after which they acquired two of the perfect. Granted, Darius Slay is previous his prime, and Jalen Ramsey is on the outskirts. Presumably, the crew nonetheless views Porter as its future stud cornerback, however maybe the decreased focus will do him good. Final season, he suffered by means of a few durations of sloppy play. Porter unnecessarily drew penalties he might have averted, maybe as a result of a insecurity. In such cases, it could possibly be greatest to drag again and work within the shadows.
Prefer it or not, although, Porter is now within the shadows, surrounded by Darius Slay and Jalen Ramsey. Even at this stage of their careers, they’ll nonetheless draw headlines. However in addition they have loads of knowledge they’ll move on to him, so hopefully he’s listening.
This can be a crucial season for Joey Porter, because the Steelers will decide whether or not to signal him to an extension subsequent offseason, or on what sort of contract, based mostly on what he does this yr. Arguably, he confirmed little to no development final season, which can have them involved.
Having high-profile gamers like Slay and Ramsey round will take a number of the highlight off him. However will they assist him, or does he must be in that highlight to thrive? My guess is they’ll nonetheless use him as their main cowl nook in most cases, even when Slay thinks he can nonetheless do it. In any case, if he isn’t doing that, then what’s Porter doing on the sphere? Neither he nor Slay is match to play inside, in order that has to fall to Ramsey.
Seemingly due primarily to an curiosity in nurturing Joey Porter’s development, the Steelers made a swap at defensive backs coach. Returning is Gerald Alexander, who labored as an assistant throughout Porter’s rookie season. Between a brand new coach and new on-field mentors, they’re attempting to develop him as greatest they’ll. And maybe he’ll reply to that improvement course of exterior the limelight a bit higher—or maybe not.
The Steelers are rebuilding, or reloading, no matter they really feel the necessity to name it, after one other disappointment final season. Although they limped into the playoffs, they as soon as once more embarrassed themselves therein.
Identical to final yr, the largest query hanging over the Steelers is the quarterback query. Whereas they finally traded George Pickens, they produce other choices to make. The 2025 NFL Draft class is now behind us, so many of the roster development is full.
However we nonetheless have an extended offseason forward for Steelers soccer, or soccer in shorts. No less than we are able to lastly put the Aaron Rodgers scenario to mattress and transfer on to different issues. Now it’s about evaluating the roster in place and filling holes as we go.
