Penn State Football

Penn State Football Pro Day Takeaways: Joey Porter Jr. Draws All 32 Teams to Happy Valley

STATE COLLEGE, Pa. — Happy Valley was the place to be, as all 32 teams arrived into town to get a look at one of the top defensive prospects in the 2023 NFL Draft at Penn State Football Pro Day. 

Joey Porter Jr., the long and freakishly athletic cornerback and son of Pittsburgh Steelers legend Joey Porter, was the star of the Nittany Lions‘ pre-draft showcase.

After running the 40-yard dash in 4.46 seconds during the 2023 NFL Combine in Indianapolis, Porter Jr. elected not to run at pro day. However, in front of the likes of Chicago Bears GM Ryan Poles and head coach Matt Eberflus, Miami Dolphins head coach Mike McDaniel, Pittsburgh Steelers defensive coordinator Teryl Austin, and Green Bay Packers general manager Brian Gutekunst, Porter did card an impressive 10-foot and 11-inch broad jump.

Porter Jr. also took part in position drills, along with fellow defensive back and NFL Draft hopeful Ji’Ayir Brown.

Projected by many to be a top-10 selection in this year’s draft, Porter Jr. produced 27 total tackles and broke up eight passes as a junior this past season, and is likely a main reason every team was in attendance.

<< BUY PENN STATE GEAR >>

Brown ran one of the more impressive 40s of the day, clocking in at 4.57 seconds, after weighing in at 5-foot-11 and 203 pounds.

Here are key takeaways from Penn State Football Pro Day 2023

Parker to Pittsburgh?

Penn State Football wide receiver Parker Washington did not workout, but conversed with several evaluators throughout the afternoon.

Washington revealed to reporters afterwards that the Pittsburgh Steelers are among the teams that he met with at the NFL Combine, adding “I definitely wouldn’t mind going to Pittsburgh.”

The Steelers could have a need for the versatile 5-foot-10 and 212 slot receiver, rounding out a trio of pass-catchers that already includes George Pickens and Diontae Johnson at the position.

Washington caught 46 passes for 611 yards and a pair of touchdowns last fall.

Mitchell Tinsley Turns On the Burners

Wide receiver Mitchell Tinsley shifted into overdrive.

The 6-foot and 202 pound wide receiver, who emerged as one of quarterback Sean Clifford’s favorite targets last season, ran the fastest 40-yard dash, clocking at 4.52 seconds.

Tinsley is an interesting prospect with possession receiver traits with big-play ability, especially in the red-zone, after catching 51 passes for 577 yards and 5 touchdowns in his lone season in Blue and White.

Sean Clifford With a Chip on His Shoulder?

Sean Clifford has been a bit of a forgotten man during the pre-draft process.

With little buzz, and as a Senior Bowl snub, Clifford has flown under the radar as the draft looms. Friday during Penn State’s pro day, Clifford spent much of the day in headphones before sprinting to a 4.57 second 40-yard dash, 9-foot and 8-inch broad jump, and a 30.5 vertical leap.

However, Clifford seemed to help himself during the positional drills, where he flashed some major arm strength both on an out-pattern to the sideline and pass deep downfield.

Clifford has been training at TEST Academy in New Jersey, in hopes of hearing his name called in April.

A note to our readers; If you make a purchase through one of our affiliate links, we may receive a commission