Some of the most successful organizations, in sports and elsewhere, have a family feeling, and they like to maintain that family atmosphere even after many decades.
The Pittsburgh Steelers have done just that, as they have been owned by members of the Rooney family since their inception in 1933.
On Friday, they made another family-oriented move when they took cornerback Joey Porter Jr. from Penn State with the No. 32 pick.
Like father, like son ⛓
The Steelers draft Joey Porter Jr. with the 32 pick! pic.twitter.com/y1m1qfB1GI
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 28, 2023
His father, Joey Porter, was a star linebacker for the Steelers from 1999 to 2006, and he won a Super Bowl championship with the franchise during the 2005 season.
The elder Porter was selected to four Pro Bowls and one All-Pro first team during his 13-year NFL career, and after leaving Pittsburgh, he spent three years with the Miami Dolphins and two more with the Arizona Cardinals.
The younger Porter played four years at Penn State, and he had 11 passes defended in 2022 after deciding to remain in school rather than make himself eligible for last year’s draft.
The Steelers were a solid defensive team overall last season, finishing 10th in points allowed, but their passing defense was lacking, as they were 19th in passing yards allowed and 28th in passing touchdowns given up.
While they have fearsome pass rusher T.J. Watt and Pro Bowl defensive tackle Cameron Heyward, their secondary needs some help, and they’re hoping the younger Porter will provide some of that needed help.
Offensively, they’re a work in progress, as they have a quarterback in Kenny Pickett who is coming off a disappointing rookie season, and they’re hoping for big seasons from wide receivers Diontae Johnson and George Pickens.
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NFL Insider Reveals Latest Steelers Draft Pick Trade Rumors
