NFL · 2 hours ago

Countdown to Latrobe: Steelers Top 5 Ranked PFF Stable Metrics CBs

Bo Marchionte

Host · Writer

Steelers: Top 5 Ranked Defensive Backs
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
Steelers: Top 5 Ranked Defensive Backs
Countdown to Latrobe
- July 8 – Safeties
- July 9 – Offensive Line
- July 10 – Defensive Line
- July 11 – Cornerbacks
- July 12 – Linebackers
- July 13 -Running Backs
- July 14 – Tight Ends
- July 15 – Wide Receivers
- July 16 – Quarterbacks
- July 17 – Specialists (K, P, LS)
- July 18 – Final 53-Man Thoughts
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: Top 5 Ranked Defensive Backs
Jamel Dean: Pittsburgh's Proven Shutdown Corner

When the Steelers signed Jamel Dean in free agency, they weren't simply adding another veteran to the secondary. They were acquiring one of the NFL's more consistent outside cover corners. Dean enters 2026 with the highest overall PFF grade among Pittsburgh's cornerbacks (80.6), and his Stable Metrics reinforce why Omar Khan targeted the former Buccaneer.

Dean ranks in the 80th percentile or better in three of PFF's most predictive coverage categories, highlighted by an 84th percentile mark while aligned at outside corner. Those numbers suggest his success has been far more than circumstance. He has consistently won in man coverage while limiting receivers early in the down.

The one area that stands out is slot coverage, where Dean owns a 0th percentile mark. Fortunately for Pittsburgh, that's largely irrelevant. The Steelers signed him to patrol the boundary opposite Joey Porter Jr., allowing Jalen Ramsey and others to handle nickel responsibilities.

Dean’s PFF Stable Metrics

Coverage Grade - 81st percentile

Coverage Grade w/No Pressure - 53rd percentile

Coverage Grade on Passes ≤3 Seconds - 81st percentile

Coverage Grade in Single Coverage - 62nd percentile

Coverage Grade at Outside CB - 84th percentile

Coverage Grade in the Slot - 0th percentile

Forced Incompletion Percentage - 41st percentile

Dean’s Player Outlook

Dean gives Pittsburgh exactly what every defense covets a dependable outside corner capable of matching up with opposing No. 1 receivers.

His Stable Metrics show a player whose performance has remained consistent over time, making him an ideal veteran addition to pair with Joey Porter Jr.

If Dean continues playing to these predictive numbers, the Steelers should field one of the AFC's premier outside cornerback tandems.
Steelers: Top 5 Ranked Defensive Backs
Steelers Stable Metrics: Joey Porter Jr. Continues His Rise

Joey Porter Jr. has steadily developed into one of the Steelers' defensive cornerstones, and his stable metrics suggest his best football is still ahead.

Already trusted with shadowing opposing receivers, Porter combines length, physicality and confidence with one of the strongest predictive coverage profiles on the roster. His versatility is especially evident, producing elite numbers whether aligned outside or in the slot.

As Pittsburgh's young secondary continues to mature, Porter appears poised to remain its long-term No. 1 cornerback.

Porter's PFF Stable Metrics
- Coverage Grade - 90th percentile
- Coverage Grade w/ No Pressure - 84th percentile
- Coverage Grade on Passes ≤ 3 Seconds - 93rd percentile
- Coverage Grade in Single Coverage - 91st percentile
- Coverage Grade at Outside CB - 80th percentile
- Coverage Grade in the Slot - 97th percentile
- Forced Incompletion Percentage - 96th percentile
Porter's Player Outlook

His elite outside coverage metrics and strong overall profile reinforce why Pittsburgh views him as a foundational defender. The low slot percentile simply reflects where he's rarely utilized, while nearly every other category points toward another productive season.
Steelers: Top 5 Ranked Defensive Backs
Steelers Stable Metrics: Asante Samuel Jr. Gives Pittsburgh Another Playmaker

Asante Samuel’s stable metrics reflect a corner capable of consistently winning in coverage while holding his own in a variety of situations. Samuel has built his NFL career on instincts, quickness and anticipation, traits that continue showing up in predictive metrics.

Adding Samuel gives the Steelers another proven veteran capable of matching up with talented receiving corps across the AFC.

Samuel's PFF Stable Metrics
- Coverage Grade - 81st percentile
- Coverage Grade w/ No Pressure - 53rd percentile
- Coverage Grade on Passes ≤ 3 Seconds - 81st percentile
- Coverage Grade in Single Coverage - 62nd percentile
- Coverage Grade at Outside CB - 84th percentile
- Coverage Grade in the Slot - 0th percentile
- Forced Incompletion Percentage - 41st percentile
Samuel's Player Outlook

While some situational metrics are more average, his overall profile suggests Pittsburgh added another dependable starter capable of complementing Dean and Porter. His experience should strengthen one of the NFL's deepest cornerback groups.
Steelers: Top 5 Ranked Defensive Backs
Steelers Stable Metrics: Brandin Echols Adds Valuable Versatility

Brandin Echols may not receive the same attention as Pittsburgh's bigger names, but his role could become one of the most important in the secondary.

Listed as a cornerback by PFF but expected to handle nickel duties, Echols provides versatility that allows the Steelers to move pieces around depending on personnel packages.

His stable metrics illustrate a player whose value comes primarily from his outside coverage ability while continuing to develop in other areas.

Echols' PFF Stable Metrics
- Coverage Grade - 45th percentile
- Coverage Grade w/ No Pressure - 49th percentile
- Coverage Grade on Passes ≤ 3 Seconds - 44th percentile
- Coverage Grade in Single Coverage - 38th percentile
- Coverage Grade at Outside CB - 95th percentile
- Coverage Grade in the Slot - 23rd percentile
- Forced Incompletion Percentage - 12th percentile
Echols' Player Outlook

Echols' elite outside coverage percentile stands out immediately.

Although his overall profile isn't as complete as Pittsburgh's top three corners, his versatility and ability to contribute in multiple packages make him a valuable depth piece. If he settles into the nickel role, the Steelers gain another experienced defensive back capable of filling multiple responsibilities.
Steelers: Top 5 Ranked Defensive Backs
Steelers Stable Metrics: Daryl Porter Jr. Is Pittsburgh's Intriguing Wild Card

Few players on the Steelers roster possess a more fascinating stable metric profile than Daryl Porter Jr..

Despite limited NFL experience, Porter has already produced elite predictive coverage numbers in several key categories. Those results suggest tremendous upside as he continues developing within Pittsburgh's defense.

While his sample size remains smaller than the veterans ahead of him, the talent is impossible to ignore.

Porter's PFF Stable Metrics
- Coverage Grade - 98th percentile
- Coverage Grade w/ No Pressure - 0th percentile
- Coverage Grade on Passes ≤ 3 Seconds - 96th percentile
- Coverage Grade in Single Coverage - 93rd percentile
- Coverage Grade at Outside CB - 97th percentile
- Coverage Grade in the Slot - 0th percentile
- Forced Incompletion Percentage - 0th percentile
Porter's Player Outlook

Porter's profile is one of the most unique among Pittsburgh's cornerbacks.

His elite outside coverage metrics suggest the Steelers may have uncovered another young boundary defender capable of becoming a significant contributor. The zero-percentile marks are more reflective of limited qualifying opportunities and role than overall ability.
Steelers: Top 5 Ranked Defensive Backs
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
Steelers: Top 5 Ranked Defensive Backs
Countdown to Latrobe
- July 8 – Safeties
- July 9 – Offensive Line
- July 10 – Defensive Line
- July 11 – Cornerbacks
- July 12 – Linebackers
- July 13 -Running Backs
- July 14 – Tight Ends
- July 15 – Wide Receivers
- July 16 – Quarterbacks
- July 17 – Specialists (K, P, LS)
- July 18 – Final 53-Man Thoughts
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.

Jul 11 12:05 PM

SpreadMoneyTotal

MIL

-1.5

-102

O 8.5

PIT

+1.5

-116

U 8.5

Jul 11 2:10 PM

SpreadMoneyTotal

LAA

+1.5

+142

O 9

MIN

-1.5

-168

U 9

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