Penn State's Joey Porter Jr. Is a Big Hit in Pittsburgh

The Steelers' rookie cornerback is a nominee for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Joey Porter Jr. promised to make an impact as a rookie after falling out of the NFL Draft's first round. The former Penn State football star has done just that with the Pittsburgh Steelers. Porter is among five nominees for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award, a significant feat since Porter didn't begin the season as a starter in the Pittsburgh defense.

Porter, whom Pittsburgh selected with the first pick of the 2023 draft's second round, has been a revelation for the Steelers. He moved into the starting lineup in Week 8 against Jacksonville after gradually earning more playing time during the season's first two months. Pittsburgh eventually assigned Porter to the opposing team's top receivers, and Porter responded. He finished the season with 42 tackles, 10 pass breakups and a huge interception in a Steelers win over Baltimore.

Joey Porter Jr. on OBJ after his interception: “I’m like go ahead run that. I already knew it was coming. I strapped his old ass, I told him. 😂👀 #Steelers #NFL pic.twitter.com/Fonu6mgViX

— Blitzburgh (@Blitz_Burgh) October 12, 2023

"I'm really excited about the trajectory of his career," Pittsburgh Steelers coach Mike Tomlin said of Porter. "Probably the most impressive component of where he is, is his mindset. He wants the fight. He wants the tough coverage. He's extremely competitive in that way. And that's a great place to build from. He's got growth ahead of him, but that's real solid."

Porter ranked among the top 20 NFL cornerbacks in 2023, according to Pro Football Focus. Porter is nominated with Houston's Will Anderson, Philadelphia's Jalen Carter, the Los Angeles Rams' Kobie Turner and Seattle's Devon Witherspoon.

Dallas Cowboys linebacker Micah Parsons is nominated for the third consecutive season as Defensive Player of the Year. Parsons has been nominated every year of his professional career since leaving Penn State after the 2019 season.

More Penn State Football

Penn State Football on SI.com

Penn State faces a defensive reboot in 2024

Great moments in James Franklin vs. Jim Harbaugh

Penn State's offense confronts an offseason of change

Penn State football spends big, earns big, according to latest financial report

Penn State brings in some key players from the Transfer Portal

James Franklin's first 10 Penn State teams, ranked

The Penn State Football Year in Review

Is it too early to declare Penn State a playoff contender in 2024?

Penn State's Paul Posluszny elected to College Football Hall of Fame

What went wrong for Penn State in the Peach Bowl

Sheetz vs. Wawa: Penn State coach James Franklin pitches both for NIL opportunities