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Mike Tomlin shares what's impressed him most about rookie CB
Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback Joey Porter Jr. Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Mike Tomlin shares what's impressed him most about rookie CB Joey Porter Jr.

Despite some early adversity, Pittsburgh Steelers rookie cornerback Joey Porter Jr. has impressed head coach Mike Tomlin with his commitment to adapting to the NFL game, especially considering the position he plays. 

"The cornerback position, in particular, it's probably got more of an adjustment from college to pro than any other position in the game because of the differences in the rules in terms of contact beyond five yards," Tomlin said via Jeff Hathorn of 93.7 The Fan. "So, he's doing a really good job of being cognizant of that."

Tomlin added that the transition is especially tough for Porter because of his aggressive style of play. 

"He's a line-of-scrimmage corner," Tomlin said. "Hand play has been a significant component of his game, and so that adjustment we cannot underestimate, but I appreciate his efforts in that regard, and he's being productive in the midst of it."

Porter has had his fair share of ups and downs during camp, given not one but two "Welcome to the NFL" moments by receiver George Pickens. First, Pickens ran over Porter during seven-on-sevens last week. Then, on Wednesday, Pickens made a spectacular one-handed grab over Porter before holding the ball in the rookie's face. 

However, despite his early misfortunes, Porter has been able to put plays behind him,  picking off a pass shortly after his second unfriendly encounter with Pickens. Meanwhile, Porter's professional demeanor has also impressed his teammates, including veteran corner Patrick Peterson. 

"When you get the ball, and you put it in the DB's face, that's a fight waiting to happen," Steelers cornerback Patrick Peterson said via the All Things Covered podcast. "But you know what the young fella did very, very well? He kept his cool. He took the coaching points from coach Grady Brown, and he did not retaliate. That's a sign of growth, man." 

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