Former Penn State football star CB named NFL DROY finalist

Joey Porter Jr. was not selected in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Instead, he was the first player the Pittsburgh Steelers selected in the 2nd round. The former Penn State football star found the perfect home for his NFL career with family ties to the organization. He used that draft slot as a motivational fuel in 2023 and now is a finalist for the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year.

Former Penn State football star CB named NFL DROY finalist

He was following in his father’s footsteps Joey Porter Jr. exploded onto the NFL scene in 2023. He started the season as a reserve cornerback but the former Nittany Lion found himself thrown into the starting lineup as he continued to impress throughout the season. During the 2023 season, he accounted for 43 tackles and 1 interception. But he will have to outshine several NFL superstars to win the AP Defensive Rookie of the Year award.

The finalists for AP Defensive Rookie of the Year! #NFLHonors pic.twitter.com/WtFzPkptu3

— NFL (@NFL) January 25, 2024

The other DROY candidates

Joey Porter Jr. will be competing against Will Anderson Jr., Jalen Carter, Kobie Turner, and Devon Witherspoon for the award. Anderson Jr., Carter, and Witherspoon were all first-round picks and Turner was a third-round pick. Anderson Jr. accounted for 45 tackles and 7 sacks, while Carter accounted for 33 tackles and 6 sacks, Turner racked up 57 tackles and 9 sacks, and Witherspoon collected 79 tackles, 3 sacks, and 1 interception. NFL Honors where the winner will be announced will be on February 8th at 9 pm EST on CBS.

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