As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Joey Porter Jr.
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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Joey Porter Jr. (CB – Penn State)
Joey Porter Jr. (CB – Penn State)
6’2” – 198 lbs.
Background:
Father is former Steelers linebacker and linebackers coach Joey Porter. Appeared in four games as a freshman before redshirting, then stepped into the starting lineup for all eight games of the shortened 2020 season, playing 415 snaps and allowing 21/31 passes (67.7%) for 215 yards, four touchdowns and two breakups (4-0-2). Reprised his starting role the following year, allowing 33/55 (60.0%), 370 yards and 2-1-3 while being penalized 10 times. His campaign this past year was by far his best, allowing just 15/30 passing for 143 yards while breaking up nine passes and being flagged just three times.
Positives:
Three-year starter who really turned a corner this past year and put together a good season. Plays press-man, shuffle and zone, mostly from the left side of the defense. Has excellent size and length for a boundary corner; moreover, knows how to use his physical tools to disrupt opponents at the line and through the route. Feels routes well with his hands. Uses his length to pin opponents to the sidelines. Shows some ability to bait quarterbacks into throws from zone. Burst when driving or recovering is above-average. Gets his head around quickly to locate when his back is turned, using his impressive length and flexibility to contest catch points. Plays off of blocks well in the run/screen games, using his length to lock out opponents and his strength to shed; holds the point of attack very well. Willing to get physical with opposing ball carriers, with a wide radius and effective wrap-tackling technique.
Negatives:
Leggy, with a high center of gravity that leads to some clunky movements; overall balance is closer to adequate. Susceptible to quick-timing-based throws underneath like quick slants. Might struggle to stick with smaller, quicker opponents. Can get grabby at the route stem and overly physical at the catch point; might be penalty-prone at the next level, as he was in his sophomore campaign. Some problems working through congestion on crosses. Some possible miscommunications when switching off opponents in zone; inconsistent processing of route combinations. Missed 17.6% of tackle attempts this past year.
Summary:
A cornerback with a favorable development trajectory and rare physical tools, he knows how to use his length to make life difficult for opposing receivers, whether at the line of scrimmage, through the route or at the catch point. Moreover, his ability to locate the ball and get himself in position to make a play is impressive. Might be best for a team like the Seahawks, where his strengths would be accentuated. Has starting-caliber traits, although he’ll have to be careful to avoid being penalized often at the next level.
Projection: Round 1-2
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