Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. Is Bigger, Badder, And Ready To Dominate In 2024

steelers' joey porter jr. is bigger, badder, and ready to dominate in 2024

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.

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.

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.

How will Joey Porter Jr. do in his second NFL season?

Want more articles like this? Follow Steeler Nation on MSN to see more of our exclusive NFL content.

More must-reads:

    OTHER NEWS

    21 minutes ago

    HMRC has failed to fine a single ‘enabler’ of offshore tax fraud in five years

    21 minutes ago

    Cameron Smith's shirt at the 2024 U.S. Open is a periodic table of alcohol — and you can own it, too

    21 minutes ago

    From Oregon Trail to Wurdweb, five fun games to play on Apple Arcade this summer

    21 minutes ago

    2 dead, 6 injured in shooting at Texas Juneteenth celebration: officials

    24 minutes ago

    Inmates take staff hostage at a detention center in southern Russia

    28 minutes ago

    Seibold lauds gutsy Manly after 30-14 win over Dragons

    28 minutes ago

    Saudi FM: Ukraine peace process will need Russia’s participation

    28 minutes ago

    How to pick a watermelon: Sweet and ripe every time

    28 minutes ago

    Ratcliffe must axe Man Utd ace who earns 4x more than Branthwaite

    28 minutes ago

    Rachel Stevens admits she was left in 'turmoil' after falling for Dancing on Ice partner Brendyn Hatfield ahead of 'messy and scary' split from husband Alex Bourne

    28 minutes ago

    Brave Kate is a beacon of light in new behind-the-scenes Trooping the Colour video - as Waleses reveal they are 'in awe' at 'incredible' ceremony that included Princess' Buckingham Palace balcony appearance

    34 minutes ago

    The Rev James Lawson, Martin Luther King’s right-hand man in the Civil Rights struggle – obituary

    34 minutes ago

    Here’s how I’d target £1,580 in passive income next year using a £20k Stocks and Shares ISA

    34 minutes ago

    Artem Dovbyk’s path from Ukraine’s third tier to La Liga’s finest finisher

    34 minutes ago

    Christian Eriksen to complete football's greatest comeback - "I'd died for five minutes"

    34 minutes ago

    Slovenia vs Denmark: Euro 2024 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h, odds today

    34 minutes ago

    Poland vs Netherlands: Euro 2024 prediction, kick-off time, TV, live stream, team news, h2h, odds today

    34 minutes ago

    Larsson: Barca need signings to win trophies next season

    34 minutes ago

    I have a terminal brain tumour and doctors have given me a year to live - I want this Father's Day to be the best ever in case it's my last one

    34 minutes ago

    Israel announces daily 'tactical pause' in fighting in southern Gaza to let humanitarian aid flow into the war-torn region

    34 minutes ago

    Tom Parker widow Kelsey says their young children, Aurelia, 4, and Bodhi, 3, still make Father's Day cards for the singer two years on from his death

    34 minutes ago

    We're parenting experts and here are 9 tips to help you survive Father's Day as a single mother

    34 minutes ago

    Inside King Charles's changing relationship with Prince William and Prince Harry amid family turmoil in recent years - as he celebrates Father's Day without his youngest son

    36 minutes ago

    Jayden Daniels has signed his rookie contract with the Washington Commanders

    38 minutes ago

    Taylor Swift Chokes Up On Stage During Final Liverpool Concert In Eras Tour

    40 minutes ago

    Michael Clarke appears to confirm romance with new real estate guru Arabella Sherborne as they enjoy romantic holiday on the Gold Coast

    40 minutes ago

    Driver shares frustration with photo of 'gas guzzler' parked in electric charging spot: 'Why is it that pickup truck drivers have such hate for EVs?'

    40 minutes ago

    The Wanted singer Tom Parker's kids make him Father's Day cards two years after death

    40 minutes ago

    New tool for tactical votes in Tory-held seats aims to change voting system

    40 minutes ago

    Whatever way you look at it, the Dublin Mayo rivalry covered up for years of poor football

    42 minutes ago

    Billy Crystal poked fun at Robert De Niro’s acting on set of ‘Analyze This’

    42 minutes ago

    Céline Dion believes late husband’s spirit is still in her life

    42 minutes ago

    Keith Richards got so wasted on Rolling Stones tour he was flown to another country while still in bed

    43 minutes ago

    Clive Myrie reveals shocking extent of racial abuse faced as BBC newsreader

    43 minutes ago

    France seek fast start to help end 24 years of waiting for European Championship glory

    44 minutes ago

    Richards Bay have Premiership fate in own hands with AmaTuks draw

    44 minutes ago

    In Sudan, Russia's Africa strategy advances another step

    44 minutes ago

    Cape mom advised to open fraud case after being registered to vote in Pakistan

    44 minutes ago

    Video: England's high hopes for Euros glory! Bullish Three Lions fans sing 'Sweet Caroline' in boozy scenes ahead of clash with Serbia TODAY - with 40,000 Brits set to descend on Gelsenkirchen

    44 minutes ago

    Michael Clarke appears to confirm romance with new real estate guru Arabella Sherborne as they enjoy romantic holiday on the Gold Coast