Todd McShay explains why he loves Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

After making a name for himself over the last two seasons as a crucial part of the Penn State defense, Joey Porter Jr. has ascended into one of the biggest defensive names in the 2023 NFL Draft class. ESPN NFL Draft analyst Todd McShay is one of Porter’s biggest fans out there, recently raving about his potential on an ESPN Mock Draft special.

“What’s not to love about this guy, he’s 6-2 ½, 193 pounds, he’s got left tackle arms at 34 inches,” McShay said. “He also ran a 4.46 (seconds 40-yard dash), better than people expected at the Combine for his size. He’s an outstanding press-man corner with the instincts, body control and physicality. Not great in terms of interceptions, but he had 11 pass breakups last year. I think the Commanders, if they don’t go quarterback, could go cornerback (and select Porter Jr.).”

As part of the 2019 recruiting class, Porter was one of the biggest names for the Nittany Lions. Porter was a four-star prospect in the On3 Industry Ranking and was a top 25 player at his position, as well as the No. 2 player in the state of Pennsylvania. Staying at home and playing for the home state team, Porter made a name for himself.

After playing in just 11 games total through the first two season, Porter stepped up in the 2021 season. Porter had 50 total tackles and one interception during that season, earning him his second All-Big Ten honor. Porter followed that up with 27 tackles and 11 pass deflections during the 2022 season, making him a First Team All-Big Ten selection and an easy decision to enter the 2023 NFL Draft.

Porter projected to be an early pick

Multiple mock drafts have Porter being a mid-round selection in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft this coming Thursday. NFL analyst Lance Zierlein wrote the following analysis of Porter, comparing him to Amani Oruwariye of the New York Giants.

“Ascending cornerback combining traits and above average play strength that create a clear definition of who he is as a player,” Zierlein wrote. “He can reroute the release and has the frame to close catch windows against big receivers in press-man or Cover 2 looks. Delayed transitions and sluggish change of direction put him in conflict in off coverages, so teams must pay attention to matchups and scheme in order to avoid a field full of yellow laundry. There is work to be done to improve tackle consistency in the run game, but he finishes tackles after a catch. Porter has scheme limitations, but he also has CB1 potential with more work and if utilized properly.”