The Las Vegas Raiders have had a void in their secondary since Charles Woodson’s retirement in 2016. With one of the NFL’s worst secondaries in 2022, the Silver and Black’s cornerback position has been lacking. Although Nate Hobbs has shown flashes, the modernization of the league’s passing offense proves that no team can have ‘too many’ cornerbacks. With that being said, Joey Porter Jr. can change their fortunes.
Joey Porter Jr. Has Strong Roots
The son of Joey Porter Sr. attended North Allegheny High School in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. In addition, he is the cousin of former NFL players Jason Gildon and Larry Birdine Jr. Porter Jr. was a four-star recruit and was the 234th overall ranked player in the country before accepting an offer to Penn State in 2019. He played in 34 total games for the Nittany Lions over four years and started in 31 of them. He was named to the 2022 All-Big 10 team, a Jim Thorpe Award, Chuck Bednarik Award, and Lott IMPACT Trophy semifinalist.
Lockdown Cornerback with a Swagger.
Like father, like son – Joey Porter Jr. brings a swagger to each snap.
JOEY PORTER JR WITH A SACK TO FORCE 4TH DOWN pic.twitter.com/ZLzXc6Q96V
— Barstool Penn State (@PSUBarstool) October 24, 2020
Porter Jr. plays with elite confidence, which helps him go toe to toe with the nation’s best wide receivers. It shows as he thrived in press-man coverage against ‘WR’U’s’ top-flight wideouts.
CB1 Joey Porter Jr vs Ohio State pic.twitter.com/bo6hkz4zxQ
— James Foster (@NoFlagsFilm) November 25, 2022
Moreover, he did not allow one receiving touchdown in the 2022 season. However, what makes Porter Jr. unique is his athletic ability.
Joey Porter Jr’s Bloodlines Assist in Playmaking Ability.
When it comes to cornerback play, athletic ability is king. For Joey Porter Jr, he clearly posseses and makes the most of his 6-foot-2 200 pound frame. He also harbors great arm length which enabled him to tie a NCAA record of six PBU’s in one contest and set a school record. Combining his above average athletic ability and ball skills makes him a unique talent who can change the outcome of a game in a moment’s notice.
No. 4 @PennStateFball is loaded in the secondary.@jjporter_1 is one of the many stars back there, and shows why here. pic.twitter.com/6W7ec4k8dG
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 3, 2021
Combine those traits with his also above average play strength and ability to get physical with any type of wide receiver – it makes for a special player.
Red Flags and Fit with the Raiders
Due to Joey Porter Jr’s aggressive playstyle, he is a target for penalties. However, outside of that, you will hear his name making plays and being a terror for opposing offenses to deal with. He is just scratching the surface of his potential, and he could see rookie success to the heights of Denver Broncos Pat Surtain Jr. and N.Y. Jets’ Sauce Gardner, who both were first-team All-Pros this NFL season. For the Raiders, utilizing their 7th overall pick on him would be wise if they can the quarterback position before the draft.
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* Top Photo by Penn State University Athletic Department