Raiders take CB Darien Porter in 3rd round

The Las Vegas Raiders selected Iowa State cornerback Darien Porter in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft, 68th overall.

Porter jumped out with three interceptions in 2024, though those were the only picks of his collegiate career.

He joins a cornerback room that already features Jakorian Bennett and Eric Stokes.

Pre-draft profile

Porter is an exciting bet on athletic traits. The experience is lacking, as he didn't make the move from receiver to cornerback until 2022. Even then, it took him until 2024, his sixth year at Iowa State, to get on the field with some level of regularity. Yet he finished the season having allowed just five catches while recording three interceptions in 203 coverage snaps, according to PFF. Porter will turn 25 at the end of his rookie season, so it's fair to wonder how much room there still is for development. But these are special physical traits. He's a tall cornerback with the long arms to match. He's got elite long speed to turn and run with anyone and impressive transition quickness to break on routes. And as a former wideout, it should be no surprise that he's comfortable attacking the ball in the air. Porter will need to develop his route recognition to make good on his potential in coverage, and he could stand to improve his tackling in run support. It's no guarantee he gets there, but the upside is fascinating. Porter could end up as a steal with the right coaching at the next level.