Ravens Visit, Could Draft 'Family First' Joey Porter Jr. - And Joke About the Steelers
The name "Joey Porter'' represents the "enemy'' of any team that calls the Pittsburgh Steelers a rival.
But "Joey Porter Jr.''? Hey, if you can't always beat 'em ... draft 'em!
"He's Joey Porter Sr. in DB form," Baltimore Ravens coach John Harbaugh said of the highly touted younger Porter, who looms as a potential first-round pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
On Wednesday, the Ravens conducted a pre-draft presser in which they took great pains to avoid talking about the elephant in the room, unsigned QB Lamar Jackson. But they certainly seemed to light up when the subject of a few select prospects came up - including the intriguing cornerback prospect Porter Jr.
And now, according to NFL Network, Baltimore is set to host Porter Jr. for a top-30 visit Thursday - which could lead to a change of heart from his father.
Harbaugh joked about how fun it would be to see Porter Sr. - who in his day was a very animated "Steelers-first'' sort of guy - have to transform himself into becoming a Ravens fan because they'd drafted his son.
"Seeing Joey Porter Sr. a Ravens fan, that'd be great for all of us,'' Harbaugh joked.
NFL scouts do believe Porter Jr. has star potential ... and he could slot in right about where the Ravens pick in the first round at No. 22. In his four seasons at Penn State, Porter recorded 113 total tackles, 20 passes defended and an interception. ... and he was named an All-American in 2022.
Porter's old Steelers teams were known for defense, and of course the Ravens have long carried the same reputation. Maybe the Porter name can carry on that tradition as he is sure to be a first-round pick in this year's draft. ... though it's worth noting that the Steelers pick is at No. 17.
