Joey Porter Jr. PFF Metrics

by Bo Marchionte
@bomarchionte | College2Pro.com
Published July 11, 2026, 7:12 AM

Countdown to Latrobe

Training camp is right around the corner, and our position-by-position countdown continues with one of the deepest groups on the Steelers roster the cornerbacks.

Instead of relying solely on traditional season grades, we’re diving into PFF Stable Metrics, a collection of predictive coverage statistics designed to identify traits that consistently translate from season to season.

These metrics strip away some of the volatility created by turnovers, tipped passes and other variables, instead highlighting the skills that generally remain dependable over time.

This series highlights the five Steelers cornerbacks who qualified for PFF’s NFL Stable Metrics entering the 2026 season. Joey Porter Jr. headlines the group as he awaits what many believe will be a lucrative contract extension, perhaps even before training camp concludes. Free-agent addition Jamel Dean arrives in Pittsburgh as an accomplished veteran expected to solidify one side of the secondary.

Asante Samuel Jr. enters his second season with the Steelers after joining the practice squad on Nov. 12 before earning a promotion to the active roster on Dec. 2. The former second-round pick wasted little time making an impact, recording the seventh interception of his NFL career while giving Pittsburgh another experienced playmaker in the secondary.

Daryl Porter Jr. and Brandin Echols complete the group. Porter who went undrafted in 2025, qualified despite a limited NFL sample, while Echols brings valuable versatility after spending time both outside and in the slot. Seventh-round pick Donte Kent in 2025 and 2026 rookie Daylen Everett did not qualify for PFF Stable Metrics due to a lack of NFL snaps and are therefore not included in this countdown.

2026 PFF Overall Grades

  • Jamel Dean: 80.6
  • Joey Porter Jr.: 70.1
  • Asante Samuel Jr.: 70.1
  • Brandin Echols: 63.1 (PFF lists him as a cornerback; Pittsburgh projects him primarily at nickel.)
  • Daryl Porter Jr.: Limited NFL sample but enough snaps to qualify for PFF Stable Metrics.

We’re not simply asking who played the best last year we’re asking which Steelers defensive backs possess the most repeatable coverage traits heading into 2026.

Steelers Cornerback Stable Metrics Rankings

Coverage Grade

  • Daryl Porter Jr. – 98th percentile
  • Joey Porter Jr. – 90th percentile
  • Jamel Dean – 81st percentile
  • Asante Samuel Jr. – 45th percentile
  • Brandin Echols – 45th percentile

Coverage Grade w/ No Pressure

  • Joey Porter Jr. – 84th percentile
  • Jamel Dean – 53rd percentile
  • Asante Samuel Jr. – 49th percentile
  • Brandin Echols – 0th percentile
  • Daryl Porter Jr. – 0th percentile

Coverage Grade on Passes 3 Seconds

  • Daryl Porter Jr. – 96th percentile
  • Joey Porter Jr. – 93rd percentile
  • Jamel Dean – 81st percentile
  • Asante Samuel Jr. – 44th percentile
  • Brandin Echols – 44th percentile

Coverage Grade in Single Coverage

  • Daryl Porter Jr. – 93rd percentile
  • Joey Porter Jr. – 91st percentile
  • Jamel Dean – 62nd percentile
  • Asante Samuel Jr. – 38th percentile
  • Brandin Echols – 38th percentile

Coverage Grade at Outside Corner

  • Daryl Porter Jr. – 97th percentile
  • Brandin Echols – 95th percentile
  • Jamel Dean – 91st percentile
  • Asante Samuel Jr. – 84th percentile
  • Joey Porter Jr. – 80th percentile

Coverage Grade in the Slot

  • Joey Porter Jr. – 97th percentile
  • Asante Samuel Jr. – 23rd percentile
  • Brandin Echols – 23rd percentile
  • Daryl Porter Jr. – 0th percentile
  • Jamel Dean – 0th percentile

Forced Incompletion Percentage

  • Joey Porter Jr. – 96th percentile
  • Jamel Dean – 41st percentile
  • Brandin Echols – 12th percentile
  • Asante Samuel Jr. – 12th percentile
  • Daryl Porter Jr. – 0th percentile

Photo Credit Frank Hyatt/College2Pro.com

 

 

 

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