4 storylines at Steelers training camp, including George Pickens terrorizing rookies

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Jul 27, 2023; Latrobe, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. (24) participates in drills during training camp at Saint Vincent College. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports /

No. 2: Patrick Peterson is taking Joey Porter Jr. under his wing

An under-the-radar signing for the Steelers this offseason is cornerback Patrick Peterson. The 12th-year veteran turned back the clock in 2022 by posting his best campaign in years. He recorded the most interceptions (5) since his second season in the NFL, and his 82.5 PFF coverage grade marked the second-best of his career.

When Pittsburgh signed Peterson in March, the franchise likely knew he would be a mentor for the locker room. But when Joey Porter Jr. fell in the Steelers’ lap at No. 32 overall, Peterson’s acquisition became all the more important.

Porter Jr. has his fair share of time around professionals, learning the ins and outs of the business while his father spent 12 seasons in the NFL. He is not as loud as his pops, but make no mistake, JPJ lets his emotion show on the gridiron. The Penn State alum is also showcasing ball skills that many draft analysts believed he lacked. His star is on the rise — Pat Pete will help him get there.

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