Joey Porter Jr. took a step forward last year, looking like a true No. 1 corner for the Pittsburgh Steelers. Now he’s rightfully looking for a hefty contract extension. However, Porter’s game still has some holes. Specifically, his ball production hasn’t been great, a critique of Porter’s game Darius Slay recently pointed out. Mina Kimes thinks that Patrick Graham could change that, though.
“He’s a great young player,” Kimes said recently on ESPN’s NFL Live. “I think he improved a lot. Coming into the league, I was a little worried about penalties with him, but I think he’s become consistent.
“And I also think the scheme change coming in Pittsburgh on defense could help him. New defensive coordinator Patrick Graham…might put him in position to make some of those plays on the ball that [Darius] Slay is talking about.”
Porter only has three interceptions in three NFL seasons, posting one each year. He has had other opportunities, but he hasn’t held onto the ball. Porter’s hands aren’t great, although he can get them on the ball. Despite his lack of interceptions, he has defended a plethora of passes, breaking up 14 last year and 31 total in his NFL career.
This issue goes back further than the NFL, too. Porter’s lack of ball production was evident in college as well. While he played in 35 games, he only had one interception. The Steelers’ scheme change might not be enough to fix Porter’s problem.
Still, Graham has had some success helping defensive backs improve at getting picks. Kyu Blu Kelly had three interceptions in Graham’s defense last year after having zero over the previous two seasons. Jack Jones had the best ball production of his career under Graham, posting five interceptions in 24 games.
Maybe he’ll work some magic on Porter. If the corner improves his ball production, he could be among the very best corners in the league. That could also lead to a much bigger payday for Porter, depending on whether the Steelers get a deal done with him before this season starts.