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Yahoo
a day 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.
USA Today
03-05-2025
- Sport
- USA Today
Raiders thin positions after the draft and 10 NFL free agents who could fill them.
Raiders thin positions after the draft and 10 NFL free agents who could fill them. The date for free agent signings to count against the 2026 compensatory pick formula is over. It ended last week with the conclusion of the draft. That means teams have begun signing still available free agents knowing they won't lose out on potential comp picks for doing so. There are still some good free agents out there who could come in and offer some solid depth and competition. After going through the roster and putting together a projected 53-man roster, it became clear there are still a few positions for the Raiders that are thin. Here's the ten free agents still out there that could come in and bulk up the roster in the areas they could use it. Cornerback They signed Eric Stokes and drafted Darien Porter. Both of whom play outside cornerback. A starting nickel corner is needed and possibly depth. Mike Hilton (31) -- Best slot corner out there. Would instantly be the favorite to start in the slot. Rasul Douglas (30) -- Once on the Raiders offseason roster, but didn't make the squad. Then went on to have some of his best years in Green Bay. Would be worthy competition to start outside. Shaquill Griffin (29) -- Was a third round pick by Pete Caroll and played in a Pro Bowl in Seattle. Kendall Fuller (30) -- Has started 104 games in his career. Would be great depth with starting potential if needed. Wide receiver This may seem odd considering they spent essentially three draft picks on receivers. But that should tell you how needy they were at the position. And with several potential starters still out there, they could add someone who would be able to step in and give a couple of their rookies a chance to develop. Amari Cooper (31) -- A reunion has seemed unlikely for years. Especially after how glad he was the Raiders traded him to Dallas. But it's been a while since then, and he's in a different place in his career. He would instantly be considered the Raiders best receiver. Keenan Allen (33) -- Even at his age, he's productive. And he has a connection with Raiders WR coach, having played for him with the Chargers and then joining him in Chicago last season. Nelson Agholor (32) -- Another former Raiders receiver, he could offer value as a part time receiver and perhaps a potential bridge starter. Tyler Boyd (30) -- Basically a possession receiver at this point in his career. He would be a good depth piece. Linebacker Linebacker was a need going into the draft, even after the additions of Elandon Roberts and Devin White. The latter hasn't played his best football in recent years. Not having competition at that position would be a mistake. There aren't a lot of great options out there, but they should explore them. Kyzir White (29) -- His 137 tackles last season were the second most of his career. He and Devin White (no relation) could battle for the starting WILL LB spot. Shaq Thompson (31) -- The former first round pick has spent his entire ten-year career in Carolina. The past couple seasons have been shortened by injury. Even if he were to see part of the season, it could be worth it to take that chance.
Yahoo
11-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Unpacking Future Packers: No. 14, East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr
The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects who the Green Bay Packers could select in the 2025 NFL draft. The Green Bay Packers are doing a mini remodel of the cornerback room at 1265 Lombardi Avenue this offseason. They lost Eric Stokes, Corey Ballentine and Robert Rochell to free agency, and Jaire Alexander's days inside that room could be numbered. Advertisement Brian Gutekunst signed Nate Hobbs to a four-year deal. The former Las Vegas Raider can play in the slot or on the boundary and gives Jeff Hafley another versatile piece in the secondary. The makeover of that room will continue during the 2025 NFL Draft, where Gutekunst will likely use a pair of picks on the position. A potential target early in the draft is Shavon Revel Jr. The East Carolina cornerback checks in at No. 14 in the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown. Revel started his collegiate career at the JUCO level before transferring to East Carolina in 2022, where he missed the beginning of the season due to a hand injury he suffered during offseason workouts. Revel enjoyed a breakout season in 2023, recording 54 tackles, 3.5 tackles for loss, one sack, one interception and 13 pass deflections. Advertisement This past season, Revel played in three games before suffering a torn ACL. In those three games, he recorded two interceptions and two pass deflections. Standing at 6-1 with nearly 33-inch arms and an impressive track background, Revel has a unique combination of size and speed. He stands out on the gridiron. Due to that combination, Revel was No. 35 on Bruce Feldman's Annual Freaks list. From Feldman: "A former high school track standout, Revel ran a 6.90 55-meter dash time, but really got on the Pirates' wish list after he ran a 4.40 40 and broad-jumped 11 feet during a summer camp. At 6-3, 190 pounds, Revel has ideal size for an NFL corner." With his speed, Revel is able to stay attached to wide receivers on a vertical plane. He reaches his top gear quickly. He has easy change of direction skills and composed footwork to mirror receivers in coverage. He's able to stay hip-to-hip with wide receivers. If he gets beat, he has the elite recovery speed and doesn't panic when the ball is in the air. Advertisement "Revel's recovery speed and his speed breaking on the football is among the best in the class," Devin Jackson, an NFL Draft writer for The Philadelphia Inquirer said. "He's a loose, sudden athlete that often undercuts routes and beats wide receivers to the tops of their routes." Revel is opportunistic in coverage. The JUCO transfer is always looking to make a game-changing play. He does wide receiver-like things at the catch point and has outstanding body control. He's a long, athletic cornerback who did a great job of using his length to disrupt wide receivers at the catch point and at the top of their routes. "Revel never panics in coverage, even in trail technique, and it's impressive to watch him close the gap between he and the receiver downfield," Jackson said. "He's also willing to take chances in coverage, which allowed him to nab two interceptions while only playing in three games." The East Carolina cornerback doesn't back down against the run. He does a good job of coming to balance and getting his man to the ground. With his impressive wingspan, he has a wide tackle radius. According to Pro Football Focus, Revel missed four tackles during his time with the Pirates. Advertisement "He's physical as a run defender despite his slender frame," Jackson said. "He doesn't mind sticking in his nose in as run defender." Revel will also bring special teams value to the team that drafts him. He blocked two kicks during the 2023 campaign and logged 137 snaps during his first two seasons at East Carolina and recorded two tackles. Fit with the Packers Before suffering a season-ending injury, Revel was on the fast track to be a Top 15 pick. In three games, he recorded two interceptions and he would have put on a show at the NFL Scouting Combine. With his size and the speed he would have been able to showcase, teams would have been tripping over themselves to get their hands on the East Carolina cornerback. Advertisement Given that he's coming off a torn ACL and that he'll be 24 on draft night, the Packers may stray away from Revel in the first round. If he somehow slides to them in the second round, the Packers would be getting tremendous value. "The best is ahead of Revel, who showcased excellent change of direction ability and closing speed to make plays on the football," Jackson said. "He's got the skill set, length, instincts, and ball skills to be a high upside cover corner that can play both man and zone coverages. Assuming he's healthy coming off his injury, Revel has a chance to make an early impact at the NFL level." Revel checks all the boxes with his frame, athleticism and playmaking ability. He'd bring some much-needed length to Green Bay's cornerback room. If he's on the board when the Packers are on the clock in the second round, it would be a slam dunk pick for Gutekunst and the Packers. This article originally appeared on Packers Wire: Unpacking Future Packers: No. 14, East Carolina CB Shavon Revel Jr
