Steelers' Joey Porter Jr. says he's best cornerback in NFL: 'Always going to pick me over anybody else'

Joey Porter Jr. is the best cornerback in the NFL. He’ll tell you just as much.

The second-year corner was asked by The Athletic’s Mark Kaboly who the best of the best was, and Porter wasn’t shy about touting his talent.

“Definitely me,” Porter stated last week at Steelers OTAs.

Porter, aged 23, had an impressive debut season. He played 17 games, starting in 11, and as a second-rounder in 2023, he achieved 43 tackles (including one for loss), intercepted once, and defended 10 passes. These feats placed him fifth in the Defensive Rookie of the Year competition. Porter became a starter in Week 7 and continued to hold his position, even when assigned to cover the top receivers of rival teams.

Porter was sure to mention some of the league’s other current greats at the position, name-dropping Sauce Gardner, Patrick Surtain II, Jaire Alexander, Denzel Ward and others as being in the conversation. But what separates Porter in his own mind — even if others don’t share his CB1 opinion — is the degree of difficulty in his assignments.

“In this league, we have numerous competent DBs,” stated Porter. “However, no one was accomplishing what I did, consistently going up against WR1s throughout the year and effectively shutting them down. Whether or not I’m recognized as one of the top cornerbacks is immaterial to me. They will inevitably hear my name.”

That’s the typical confidence you see from cornerbacks. But for Porter, it’s also a family trait. His father, Joey Porter Sr., was notorious for stirring the pot during his time with the Steelers, often through his choice of words. However, the younger Porter’s self-assurance isn’t as exaggerated as his father’s.

“Maintaining my confidence and swagger is always my aim,” said Porter Jr. “Whenever I enter the building, I carry the belief that I am the main guy. It takes effort to earn respect, but I believe everyone recognizes what I’m capable of contributing.”

Growing up, I always wanted to reach the top to gauge my abilities. I will consistently choose myself over anyone else. I’ve always possessed that self-confidence.

Porter’s tackling ability was one element of his game that held him back from starting sooner. But one week after being promoted to the starting lineup, Porter asked Steelers coach Mike Tomlin if he could shadow Titans wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a possible future Hall of Famer. All Porter did in that game was hold Hopkins to one catch on five targets and 72 routes.

“His mindset is likely the most impressive aspect of his current position,” said Tomlin this offseason. “He’s eager for the challenge, desiring tough coverage tasks. His extreme competitiveness shines through in this way.”

Porter mentioned that he aims to weigh closer to 205 pounds this season, after playing last season at around 198-200 pounds.

“He said, “I believe that at 205, I can be more physical in the run game and on the line.”

There also is a strong support system in Pittsburgh’s secondary following the trade for CB Donte Jackson, along with other additions. But even amid change, Porter isn’t taking a new approach. He hopes to build on his strong rookie season and isn’t dialing back on his rookie mentality of wanting to take on all comers, whether they be friend (in practices) or foe (in games).

“I wanted that from the jump,” Porter said. “I had that in my mind when I got here. I talked to Coach T, talked about that when I first got here about how me and George (Pickens) were going to go at it in camp. That’s what I am looking forward to at camp this year, too.”