The 2023 NFL Draft process is underway! One of our favorite prospects in this draft class is Penn State CB Joey Porter Jr. The former Nittany Lions defensive back has the tools and skillset to develop into a lockdown corner in the NFL. In this 2023 NFL Draft scouting report, we’ll breakdown Joey Porter Jr, as well as a predicted 40 time, injury history, full scouting report, player comparison, and an NFL Draft projection.
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Joey Porter Jr 40 Time
I have Joey Porter Jr poised to run a 4.49 second 40 time at the 2023 NFL Combine. Further, this time would be solid when compared to the league average for the cornerback position. On game film, Porter JR displays very nice recovery speed and is able to hang with receivers on downfield routes.
Joey Porter Jr Injury History
Earlier this season, Joey Porter Jr missed two games due to appendicitis. However, he was able to return for the season finale game against Michigan State. After all, Porter Jr should receive a clean bill of health at the NFL Combine in Indianapolis.
Joey Porter Jr Scouting Report
Pros
- Changes Direction With Relative Ease
- Has The Skillset To Develop Into A Lockdown Corner
- Capable Of Contributing In Pass Rush At A High-Level
Cons
- Needs To Improve Use Of Hands At The Line Of Scrimmage
- Can Rely Too Heavily At Grabbing A Player’s Jersey To Defend A Pass
- Press Coverage At Line Of Scrimmage Needs Some Improvement
Joey Porter Jr is a four-year contributor, with three years of production, at cornerback for the Penn State Nittany Lions. Capped off his final season at Penn State by being named a semifinalist for the Chuck Bednarik Award, which is presented by the Maxwell Football Club to the nation’s top defensive player. He possesses good height and solid weight for the defensive back position in the NFL. Additionally, his predicted 40 time of 4.49 is solid when compared to the league average.
Porter Jr displays good backpedal and is able to change direction with relative ease. Has very good ability to remain close to receiver on downfield routes. Possesses good recovery speed. He has good awareness in zone coverage to get over the top of the receiver by using good angles towards the ball. Shows good hand usage to force the receiver outside and constrict his space along the sideline. Displays a solid ability to diagnose runs early and force the ball carrier inside. His ability to wrap-up and tackle the ball carrier a the second-level is solid. Possesses good range to get to backfield from medium range quickly. Shows good timing and speed to corner blitz and collapse the pocket.
However, Porter Jr has an adequate ability to mirror in tight coverage at the line of scrimmage, which he needs to improve upon. I would like to see him get more involved in pass disruption on crossing routes. Possesses an adequate usage of his hands at the line of scrimmage to bat the receiver’s hands and establish leverage. At times, he can rely too heavily on grabbing the receiver, rather than cleanly defending the pass.
Joey Porter Jr Player Comparison
My player comparison for Joey Porter Jr is Charles Tillman. The former two-time Pro Bowler was selected in the second round of the 2003 NFL Draft by the Chicago Bears. Known for his coverage abilities, Tillman played for the Bears for 12 seasons, along with one season in Carolina. Furthermore, the height and weight measurements, as well as 40 time predictions, are a match.
Joey Porter Jr NFL Draft Projection
I have Joey Porter Jr predicted to come off the 2023 NFL Draft board in the top fifteen. In my opinion, his coverage abilities, as well as athleticism, is what sets himself apart from the rest in this class. As mentioned above, it’s my belief that he has the tools and skillset to develop into a lockdown corner in the NFL.
Possible teams that could target Joey Porter Jr include the Detroit Lions, Philadelphia Eagles, and Pittsburgh Steelers. Additionally, a team like the Jacksonville Jaguars, Minnesota Vikings, or Dallas Cowboys could explore the possibility of trading up for Porter Jr.
