Latest 2-round mock draft sends Joey Porter Jr. to the NFC North

We’re nearing NFL Combine 2023, and Penn State has a couple of notable players to keep on your radar. In addition, they also have some key Nittany Lions headed to the combine, including prospects featured in first-round mock drafts.

That’s right. We’re talking about none other than Penn State cornerback Joey Porter Jr.

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Porter Jr. was featured in several first-round mock drafts at this point, so it’s hard to imagine seeing one without him in the first round.

CBS Sports’ latest two-round mock draft sends Penn State’s standout corner to the Detroit Lions with a sixth overall win.

Let’s break this down.

The last time the Lions conceded a corner in the first round was when they picked Ohio State’s Jeff Okudah with the third overall pick of the 2019 draft.

Since 1999, the Buckeyes have picked 10 first-round corners, and Okudah is one of those players.

However, Okudah didn’t really live up to his third overall pick.

The Lions have Okudah under contract until 2025. But outside of him, the Lions need a real number one corner.

We’re talking about the Steelers being the perfect landing spot for Porter Jr. But what about the Detroit Lions?

Sure, it can be argued that the Steelers are that team for Porter Jr. But the Lions can also be in the same argument.

The Lions are looking for more depth in their cornerback room. Not only that, but they really need someone to be a key focus of their defense.

That’s where Porter Jr. comes in.

Teams like the Lions will fall in love with Porter Jr.’s athleticism.

If there’s one trait of Penn State’s secondary school that we’re familiar with, it’s their physicality.

Players like Porter Jr. Jaquon Brisker and Ji’Ayir Brown are good examples.

The Lions have a cornerback room that’s full of youth, but none of them have really improved yet.

Statistically they were in the bottom half of the league for their defense.

However, the Lions finished with a record .500 for the first time since the 2017 season in which they were led by Jim Caldwell.

With a fairly average division — with the insecurity of the Packers and Aaron Rodgers, a productive Vikings team and a rebuilding Bears team — the Lions are in a solid position right now as far as their future in the NFC North is concerned.

The Lions struggled a lot with their passing defenses, giving up an average of 245.8 passing yards per game and 25.1 points per game. Both stats ranked last in the NFL in 2022.

They’ve begun to strengthen their defensive line, with Michigan defensive end Aidan Hutchinson being their most recent signing and one of the top defensive rookies in the NFL in 2022.

Now the Lions need to start adding more talent to their side room.

Joey Porter Jr. would be a great addition to the Lions as they continue to build their productive 2022 season.

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