5 fan-favorites Steelers won't be able to draft without a trade-up

2. CB Joey Porter Jr., Penn State

Even as we inch closer to the 2023 NFL Draft, experts continue to mock Joey Porter Jr. to the Steelers from time to time. However, I think this has more to do with his obvious connection to the team than what will realistically unfold on draft day.

Porter doesn't check every single box at the cornerback position, and some teams could be a little timid with the fact that he has recorded just 1 interception as a cornerback in four seasons at Penn State. However, his traits for the position are remarkably rare and will get him drafted ahead of the 17th overall pick.

At 6'2 1/2'' and 193 pounds with 34'' arms, Porter has prototype size measurables for a boundary cornerback in the NFL. This length has helped him disrupt passing lanes often in college and makes tight window throws that much harder for opposing quarterbacks. Now combine a long, physical, instinctive player with 4.46 speed and an 87th percentile broad jump, and you have a guy who goes in the top half of the first round.

Having a former NFL All-Pro as a father is just the icing on the cake. Even without that, Porter has nearly everything teams look for to be a cornerback worthy of an early first-round selection. It's so hard to see him falling past teams like New England and Washington, who pick just ahead of the Steelers.