Joey Porter Jr Is Learning From The Best

The Pittsburgh Steelers have long been known for their defensive identity—and a big part of that reputation comes from how well they develop young talent. One of their most promising up-and-coming stars is cornerback Joey Porter Jr., who flashed elite potential as a rookie and followed it up with a strong second season. While Porter has made clear strides, there’s still room for growth—something the Steelers recognize and are actively supporting.

Rather than simply relying on Porter’s raw ability, Pittsburgh is taking a deliberate, strategic approach to his development. By surrounding him with savvy veterans like Patrick Peterson, Donte Jackson, and now Darius Slay, the Steelers are building a support system designed to help him reach his full potential as a true lockdown corner.

Last season, Porter started the season a much larger role after gradually increasing his responsibilities during his rookie campaign. By the end of his first year, he had emerged as the team’s No. 1 corner, frequently shadowing opposing WR1s—and he more than held his own.

The past two off seasons, the Steelers doubled—and then tripled—down on his growth by adding Darius Slay to the mix. It’s a classic Steelers move: blend young, high-ceiling talent with seasoned pros to build a balanced, a recipe for a great defense.

While Patrick Peterson is no longer in Pittsburgh, his influence on Porter can’t be overstated. An eight-time Pro Bowler and future Hall of Famer, Peterson gave Porter a masterclass in cornerback play—teaching him how to read offenses, leverage positioning, and sharpen technique. Just as important, he taught Porter how to study film like a veteran, a skill that’s already paying off as he matches up with the league’s best receivers week after week.

Even in limited snaps, Peterson’s role as a mentor was pivotal in helping Porter transition from a raw rookie to a confident starter. Now entering Year 3, Porter is not only building off those lessons—he’s stepping into a leadership role of his own.

The addition of Donte Jackson added another dimension to Porter’s growth. Known for his elite speed, Jackson brought a different perspective to the secondary—especially in how to handle fast, shifty receivers. While Porter excels in press coverage against bigger targets, Jackson’s experience in off-man and zone against speedsters gave Porter new tools to refine his game.

Jackson’s aggressive, takeaway-minded style also aligns perfectly with Pittsburgh’s defensive philosophy. When he and Porter shared the secondary, they pushed each other, and the coaching staff made a point to tap into Jackson’s knowledge to round out Porter’s skill set.

Now, enter Darius Slay—one of the most consistently excellent corners in the NFL over the past decade. Slay, entering his 12th season, is the type of veteran who extends his career not just through athleticism, but through intelligence, anticipation, and technique. And he’s already taken a keen interest in helping Porter elevate his game.

“I’m gonna make sure to get him right,” Slay recently said. “He just gotta work on being better down the field. I watched his film…”

Slay’s ability to read routes, disrupt passing lanes, and adapt on the fly is something Porter can study closely if he hopes to enjoy a long, impactful career. With Slay mentoring him, Porter will learn how to fine-tune his technique, preserve his body throughout a grueling season, and stay a step ahead of offensive coordinators.

The Steelers aren’t just throwing Joey Porter Jr. into the fire—they’re crafting a development plan tailored to his growth. With high-level mentors like Peterson, Jackson, and Slay in his corner, he has everything he needs to become one of the NFL’s premier cornerbacks.

As the 2025 season approaches, Porter has a golden opportunity to cement himself as the Steelers’ next great shutdown corner—a role the team hasn’t truly filled since the days of Ike Taylor. If he continues building on his strong foundation and soaks up the wisdom from the veterans around him, Pittsburgh may have one of the most dominant young corners in the league for years to come.