Latest news with #DarienPorter
Yahoo
2 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Unexpected Rookie Taking First-Team Reps at Raiders OTAs
Unexpected Rookie Taking First-Team Reps at Raiders OTAs originally appeared on Athlon Sports. John Spytek is taking a different approach as the general manager of the Las Vegas Raiders. He and new head coach Pete Carroll let several big contributors leave during free agency this offseason in favor of other players. Advertisement Their decision to let both starting linebackers go and part ways with four of their five starting defensive backs was met with a bit of hesitancy from Raider Nation. However, they have built both a younger and cheaper roster than last year's four-win team, which is promising for a franchise that has long struggled. With cornerbacks Nate Hobbs and Jack Jones no longer with the Silver and Black, the team added 2021 first-rounder Eric Stokes during free agency and used a third-round pick on Iowa State's Darien Porter. Las Vegas Raiders CB Darien Porter (10).Vasha Hunt-Imagn Images Porter was seen as a bit of a project considering he switched from wide receiver to cornerback while in college. He started just seven games at cornerback for the Cyclones, but the Las Vegas Review-Journal's Vincent Bonsignore reported that he was taking first-team reps during Raiders OTAs. Advertisement "Based on the work he got in OTAs — he's been working with the first team opposite Eric Stokes — Porter is either on the fast track to a major role or the Raiders are throwing as much as possible at him to help expedite his development," Bonsignore wrote. This news is a bit unexpected considering 2023 fourth-round pick Jakorian Bennett was above-average in his starting role last season and both Stokes and Decamerion Richardson have more experience. It is no surprise, however, that the team is investing heavily in Porter because he embodies everything that Pete Carroll loves in a cornerback. At nearly 6-foot-4 with 33 and 1/8-inch arms, he has the ideal frame and physical play style that Carroll covets in a defensive back. Carroll may be throwing the rookie into the fire during OTAs and plans on implementing Bennett as a starter once he is fully recovered from his shoulder injury. However, it is also possible that Carroll found a diamond in the rough once again and the Raiders will rely on Porter heavily as a rookie. Advertisement Related: Raiders Insider Provides Update On Second-Round Pick's Contract Situation Related: Raiders Insider Leaves Door Open for Veteran CB Addition This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
New York Times
09-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Times
Raiders rookie camp: Jack Bech, Darien Porter show flashes as newbies get their ears wet
HENDERSON, Nev. — As temperatures pushed 90 degrees, Pete Carroll strapped on his gloves and backpedaled on the field as the Las Vegas Raiders' defensive backs looked on. With the 73-year-old coach showing that type of energy during the stretching period, there was little room for anyone else to slack off. Advertisement 'He was out there working on his press,' cornerback Darien Porter said Friday. 'It's funny, but I really appreciate it. To see that kind of energy in rookie minicamp this early in the process is awesome.' Throughout the first practice of the Raiders' three-day camp on Friday, the energy level was high. The team headquarters has an indoor facility, but the coaching staff kept the session outdoors. The result was that the players' fitness was pushed to the brink. 'You've got to be conditioned,' receiver Jack Bech said. 'You have to be able to run all day. And I think, obviously, conditioning on your own and football conditioning, it's a little different. … I'm excited to keep coming out here and keep learning under one of the greatest coaches ever and keep sharpening not only my physical skill set but my mental skill set, too.' The practice was without pads, which makes it harder to evaluate linemen, linebackers and running backs, but Bech and Porter still managed to stand out. Bech said he has aimed to model his game after Los Angeles Rams receivers Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp, former Raiders receiver Amari Cooper and Minnesota Vikings receiver Justin Jefferson. With Nacua, it's his ability to use his body, leverage and physicality to get open. With Kupp, it's how he understands the nuances of the game. With Cooper and Jefferson, it's their precise route running. Although Bech has a long way to go to reach the level of those players, he was consistently open on Friday. His best plays came toward the end of practice when he hauled in several deep balls during 11-on-11 drills that would've been touchdowns. We don't know whether he'll spend most of his time outside or in the slot, but he'll be a day-one starter if he keeps up this pace. Bech isn't the fastest or the biggest receiver — he's 6-foot-1, 215 pounds — but he uses his mind as much as his body to create advantages. Advertisement 'It's more about understanding the different leverages and just understanding what the defense is doing and then taking it a step further,' Bech said. 'You have to understand the nuance of the game and know where to attack. A big thing is knowing how to get open and when to do it. A double move, a stutter-and-go or a slant-and-go might work great against a Cover 3 where you can get them to bite, but that might not work well against Cover 4 or Cover 2. It's different things like that. … That's how you last, and that's how you become a great player: It's what is between the ears.' Porter is more of a ball of intriguing traits at this point, but they're pretty darned impressive. He's thin, but he's a legit 6-foot-2, and his 4.3-second 40-yard dash time from the combine shows up on the field. He transitioned from receiver to cornerback in college and was still only a rotational player in 2024, so he has plenty to learn. His fundamentals and technique are still a work in progress. Porter has the physical skills to make up for his mistakes, but they'll still have to happen less frequently for him to get into the mix with Jakorian Bennett, Eric Stokes and Decamerion Richardson for a starting role as an outside corner. Carroll has had a history of developing raw cornerbacks — a la Richard Sherman and Tariq Woolen — and Porter hopes he's next on the list. 'They're both tall, long guys,' Porter said. 'I think athletically I fit a little bit more with Tariq than Richard. I'm just looking to take all the coaching I can to get to the level of those guys.' Here are some additional notes from practice. • The Raiders had more than 70 participants at practice, which is much more than in years past. It's been a habit of Carroll's, however, going back to his time as head coach of the Seattle Seahawks. The group was composed of the 11 drafted rookies, 15 undrafted free agents, International Pathway Program defensive tackle Laki Tasi and numerous other players who were trying out for spots on the team. The idea of bringing in so many is to give the coaching staff enough players to utilize a two-deep depth chart and run full team drills on both sides of the ball. #RAIDERS ROSTER NEWS: – Signed the following 15 undrafted free agents:@Raiders | #RaiderNation — Raiders PR (@RAIDERS_PR) May 9, 2025 • It was a quiet first day on the job for running back Ashton Jeanty, but that's to be expected given that there was no contact allowed. His time to shine will come. • Tommy Mellott, who played quarterback in college but is transitioning to receiver, spent most of his time lined up in the slot. He didn't do much in practice, but his speed jumps out. Advertisement The same goes for Dont'e Thornton, who's just as fast despite being much bigger at 6-4, 205 pounds. Between those two and veteran receiver Tre Tucker, the Raiders have more deep-threat options than they did at this point last year. • Charles Grant lined up exclusively at left tackle during the media viewing portion of practice. He was locked into that position throughout his college career, too, but Carroll has said he'd also like to see him get some work at right tackle. Unlike Grant, fellow third-round pick Caleb Rogers moved around during practice. He lined up at both right guard and right tackle. While the Raiders drafted him as a guard, they aren't going to limit him. Rogers started games at left tackle, left guard, right guard and right tackle in college. His best path to playing time is at guard, but it makes sense for the Raiders to continue to cross-train him given the unpredictable nature of injuries. 'I told them when they drafted me that I want to be a guy that can play all five (positions),' Rogers said Friday. 'Wherever they're going to need me to fit in, that's where I want to be. … I don't call myself a tackle (or a guard), I call myself an O-lineman.' (Photo of Jack Bech: Candice Ward / Getty Images)
USA Today
24-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Final Bucs Mock Draft: 7-rounds of selections for Tampa Bay
Final Bucs Mock Draft: 7-rounds of selections for Tampa Bay We've made it to draft day, Bucs fans, and the reward is one final mock draft before we see who Jason Licht and his staff actually select. We have put out an endless number of speculation pieces, projections, scouting reports, and rankings. All of that is coming to a head here as we make one final projection of their picks in one of the biggest drafts in recent memory for the Bucs franchise. The team is very close to contending for another Lombardi Trophy. The offense has all the pieces it needs. The defense is just a few players short. This class is designed for them to make up that difference. Here are our selections for the Bucs in our final 7-round mock draft for the team. Projected Trade: Bucs send the 19th pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Eagles for the 32nd, 64th, and 165th picks in the 2025 NFL Draft and a 3rd-round pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. Round 1, Pick 32: James Pearce Jr., Edge, Tennessee The Bucs trade back and get some much-needed draft capital and still get one of the top-tier pass rushers in this draft class. Pearce Jr. has the physical tools matched with athletic ones to be able to hit the ground running for the Bucs as they look to have a consistent pass rush presence, finally. Round 2, Pick 53: Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State Darien Porter in the second round is going to end up being a steal for someone; in this case, it is the Bucs. They need to have someone added to the group as they move Tykee Smith to safety, and adding Porter to take his place is as good a move as any. The trio of Zyon McCollum, Jamel Dean, and Porter will give the Bucs a good start towards improving their pass coverage in 2025, and hopefully beyond. Round 2, Pick 64: Elic Ayomanor, WR, Stanford I have to admit, I am not a fan of Elic Ayomanor. I think his hands are inconsistent; he relies on his raw athletic traits to get him out of jams, and his flash plays make people forget about his lackluster ones. That being said, being in a receiver room with Chris Godwin and Mike Evans leads me to believe he could fix those minor errors of his and become a reliable target for the Bucs, so he is worth taking a chance on here. Round 3, Pick 84: Terrance Ferguson, TE, Oregon The Bucs saw flashes from Cade Otton in 2024, but he has remained inconsistent during his time with the team. Bringing in some competition is good for the Bucs at the tight end position and for Cade Otton, who is entering a contract year. Not to mention, Baker Mayfield likes having a consistent receiving option at the tight end position. Round 4, Pick 121: Mello Dotson, CB, Kansas Mello Dotson brings depth to the cornerback position, but he also has some underrated ball skills that the team needs to better force turnovers in 2025. The team was able to get them in 2024, despite the injuries they had across the board on defense. That being said, preparing for more injuries with a veteran-led defense is a savvy approach for Jason Licht and Todd Bowles in 2025. Round 5, Pick 157: Kyle McCord, QB, Syracuse The Bucs brought back Kyle Trask on a one-year deal, but I don't see him ever being much for the Bucs. Drafting Kyle McCord gives them someone with a similar playstyle and live arm like Baker Mayfield behind him, in case his physical style gets him in trouble. Round 5, Pick 165: Ty Hamilton, DL, Ohio State The Bucs add another space-eating, run-stopping defensive lineman to the rotation for development with this pick. Ty Hamilton has some physical traits to work with, but not many other tools in the box. Round 7, Pick 235: Jimmy Horn Jr., WR, Colorado Jimmy Horn Jr. can be a very exciting return option for the Bucs as they look to make Bucky Irving their full-time running back and potentially move him away from being their return man.
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Final cornerback rankings heading into the 2025 NFL Draft
Final cornerback rankings heading into the 2025 NFL Draft Maxwell Hairston might be the most natural mover among CBs. He can be too aggressive at times, but the hip fluidity is special — Billy M (@BillyM_91) April 10, 2025 The NFL Draft is always a fluid process, with a lot of information constantly coming in about the players within the class. Every position requires countless hours of film, combing over testing numbers, looking at work at all-star games and pro days. Through it all, a clearer image of the players within each position group appears. The next position we will discuss in our final rankings is for the cornerbacks. The cornerback position is loaded in this year's class and is one of the deepest positions overall. It is led by a top-tier group that includes Jahdae Barron, Will Johnson, and, of course, Travis Hunter. All of them could easily go in the top ten. From there, they have a handful of cornerbacks, many of whom played in the SEC, which excites many analysts and teams for this upcoming draft. Going against the offensive talent in the SEC always makes for a fun evaluation, and this year was no different. Before we spoil the names and where they fall, here are our final top 10 cornerbacks ranked for the 2025 NFL Draft. 10) Azareye'h Thomas, Florida State Height: 6-1 / Weight: 197 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers 10'02" broad jump Best Traits Uses his size to handle wide receivers Jams receivers at the line of scrimmage Tracks the ball well in the air Grade: 6.67 (Day Two) 9) Maxwell Hairston, Kentucky Height: 5-11 / Weight: 183 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers 4.28 40-yard dash 39.5" vertical jump 10'09" broad jump Best Traits Closes on the ball quickly Reads quarterbacks well Keeps leverage well throughout routes Grade: 6.7 (Day Two) 8) Trey Amos, Ole Miss Height: 6-1 / Weight: 195 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers 4.43 40-yard dash time 10'06" broad jump Best Traits Good body control through routes and in the air Twitchy movements Good footwork and quick hips Grade: 6.73 (Day Two) 7) Mello Dotson, Kansas Height: 6-1 / Weight: 192 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers 10'03" broad jump Best Traits Great ball skills Has good timing when breaking on the ball Good footwork, especially backpedalling Grade: 6.75 (Day Two) 6) Benjamin Morrison, Notre Dame Height: 6-0 / Weight: 193 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers No Testing Available Best Traits Good man coverage ability Able to high point the ball when going for it with receivers Maintains good leverage Grade: 6.75 (Day Two) 5) Darien Porter, Iowa State Iowa State - CB - Darien Porter#BuildingTheBoard #NFLDraft ✅Tall, long CB (33.125" arms) with impressive athletic gifts (9.99 RAS) ✅Plays physically downfield and makes his presence felt ❌Didn't start until 6th year at Iowa State and still only played in rotation — Quinten Krzysko (@ButkusStats) March 23, 2025 Height: 6-3 / Weight: 195 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers 4.30 40-yard dash time 36.5" vertical jump 10'11" broad jump Best Traits Uses size to handle receivers Great tackler, provides run support Moves extremely well for his size Grade: 7.05 (Day Two) 4) Shavon Revel, East Carolina Height: 6-2 / Weight: 194 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers No Testing Available Best Traits Physical tackler and in coverage Has length and uses it to get an advantage in coverage Underrated ball skills Grade: 7.4 (Day Two) 3) Will Johnson, Michigan Height: 6-2 / Weight: 194 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers No Testing Available Best Traits Smooth footwork and hips Good body control Physical in coverage and in making tackles Grade: 7.5 (Day One) 2) Jahdae Barron, Texas Jahdae Barron is DOMINANT. 9 PBUs, 5 picks, and 0 TDs allowed in 2024 to go with just 279 yds allowed. He's the most physical and versatile DB in the class, capable of playing the boundary, safety, or wreaking havoc as a nickel. Barron is a top 10 player and an elite talent. — NFL Draft Files (@NFL_DF) January 25, 2025 Height: 5-11 / Weight: 194 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers 4.39 40-yard dash time 10'03" broad jump Best Traits Good size to handle receivers Tracks the ball well to make plays on it Great in zone coverage, underrated in man coverage Grade: 7.53 (Day One) 1) Travis Hunter, Colorado Height: 6-0 / Weight: 188 lbs. Notable Testing Numbers No Testing Available Best Traits Good body control to stay with receivers Reliable ball skills, tracks it well in the air Presses well at the line of scrimmage, underrated strength Grade: 8.75 (Day One)
USA Today
22-04-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
2025 NFL draft: Bills host CB Darien Porter on pre-draft visit
2025 NFL draft: Bills host CB Darien Porter on pre-draft visit The Buffalo Bills hosted Iowa State senior cornerback Darien Porter on a pre-draft visit, according to Ryan Talbot. The Bills continue to do their due diligence by scouting this year's cornerback class. This is now the seventh corner that they have reportedly had a top-30 visit with ahead of the draft. Porter is different from the rest, having only one year under his belt as a starting corner in college, despite setting the Iowa State school with 64 career games played. From 2019-2021, he was a reserve wide receiver focusing on special teams. In 2022 he switched positions from wide receiver to cornerback, only to play that season and 2023 as a special teamer. He finally got his chance in 2024 to start at corner, and he exploded onto the scene. He was an honorable mention All-Big 12 Conference while starting seven games. He recorded 18 tackles, 2 TFLs, 3 INTs, and 2 PBUs. Porter's draft stock rose after a strong showing at the NFL Combine, where his receiver traits and frame shined through. He has incredible length for a corner, standing at 6'3" with 33 1/8" arms, and also has top-tier speed, clocking in at 4.3 seconds on the 40-yard dash. Porter projects as a Day 2 draft choice, where the Bills have two picks towards the end of the second round (56 and 62). Porter received an impressive 82.5 defense grade from Pro Football Focus when aligned out wide, where he played the majority of his snaps. He allowed a completion percentage of just 29.4% while allowing 70 total yards on the season and not a single touchdown. His unique combination of size, speed, athleticism, and ball skills has drawn a comparison to Tariq Woolen of the Seattle Seahawks by Lance Zierlein. Buffalo currently has a need for a cornerback to play opposite of Christian Benford. Rasul Douglas, the team's starter over the past two seasons, remains a free agent. The team did bring back old friend Tre'Davious White on a one-year deal, but it remains a question mark as to whether he can serve as the CB2 at this point in his career. Porter could be a pick for the Bills on Day 2 given his comfort in playing in zone coverage, specifically Cover 3, and his physical traits that should lead to being able to handle more man coverage. The one drawback to keep an eye on is Porter's lack of tackling in run support, which is important to head coach Sean McDermott.
