Steelers CB Donte Jackson has nothing but love for Minkah Fitzpatrick, Joey Porter Jr.

Coming from a struggling franchise like the Carolina Panthers to the legendary Pittsburgh Steelers, Donte Jackson probably thinks he hit the lottery.

The six-year veteran cornerback played for almost as many head coaches as he has seasons. This is the first time that he’ll have any real stability.

And to play with Minkah Fitzpatrick, whom Jackson has admired since they entered the NFL together, is the icing on the cake.

“I’ve been a huge fan of Minkah since we came in the league,” Jackson told Dale Lolley of Steelers.com. “We came into the league the same year, and we played in college against each other three years in a row. So I’ve always always been a fan of Minkah. He’s an exceptional player. His football IQ is through the roof. So I’m just getting out there to be with a guy who just makes football easier for his teammates and his running mates. Getting to go out there with one of the league’s best safeties, it’s going to be amazing.”

But it’s not just the veterans that Jackson has watched closely.

“I’ve watched so much film on Joey,” Jackson said. “I probably can tell you every one of his plays from his rookie year. He’s exceptional. I just can’t wait to go out there and watch him up close and personal and take the field with him and just do everything that this franchise deserves from its corners.”

It’s a good thing that Jackson has studied Porter’s game, as the two will now work in tandem. Only Porter and depth pieces remained with Patrick Peterson released and Levi Wallace and Chandon Sullivan testing free agency.