Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. was recognized as one of the best rookie in the NFL at his position this week by the Pro Football Writers of America.
Porter Jr. was the lone Steeler named to the PFWA's annual All-Rookie team this week, alongside Seattle Seahawks star Devon Witherspoon, who took the other cornerback spot.
.@JoeyPorterJr has been named to the @PFWAwriters All-Rookie team
— Pittsburgh Steelers (@steelers) January 23, 2024
: https://t.co/Kw1qsfwj4F pic.twitter.com/PJx2if7u63
Porter Jr. finished his rookie season with 42 tackles, 32 of them solo stops, 10 passes defended, an interception - which came a pivotal moment on the goal line late in the Steelers' win at home over the Baltimore Ravens - and a tackle for loss. He allowed a 47.5% completion rate and just one touchdown all season. Porter Jr.'s tackling also improved throughout the year and he had tallied just three missed tackles by the end of the season.
His role grew over the course of the season and Porter Jr. eventually assumed the responsibility of defending the opposing team's best wide receiver. He figures to assume the role of shutdown corner for the Steelers again when he returns in 2024.
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