Even the players are ready to see one rookie vs. rookie matchup during the Raiders' series of offseason workouts
The Las Vegas Raiders made it an emphasis to get long, athletic "dawgs," as the kids say, in the 2025 NFL Draft. And, it seems like they did just that. Of course, we still have to see them play actual NFL games, but it feels like they made the right picks. Pete Carroll definitely has […]
The Las Vegas Raiders made it an emphasis to get long, athletic "dawgs," as the kids say, in the 2025 NFL Draft. And, it seems like they did just that. Of course, we still have to see them play actual NFL games, but it feels like they made the right picks.
Pete Carroll definitely has a type of player he like, especially on the defensive side of the ball, but he's shown that on the offensive side of the ball, too. Look back at his time with the Seattle Seahawks, and even when he briefly coached the New England Patriots, he loves that type of player. He started his stint as the Raiders head coach drafting guys that fit that.
Two of them in particular are going to be good football players, and you can see that just from their build, but also from the way they speak about their work ethic and just overall care for the game. Darien Porter Jr., the Iowa State cornerback they drafted in the third round, and Dont'e Thornton Jr., the Tennessee wide receiver they drafted in the fourth round, are two athletic freaks who are going to perfectly fit what Pete Carroll wants.
Porter is a 6'4" cornerback who ran a 4.3 40 yard dash, and Thornton is a 6'5" WR who ran a 4.3 40 yard dash. So immediately it makes you think, I wonder how this matchup would go in practice during 1-on-1s?
“I think he gives that unique challenge," Porter told the media during the rookie minicamp. "You know, he's not just big, he's big and he can run. So, you've really got to be on point for the fast guys. You got to get your hands on them and try to disrupt the timing of the route. But we are one day in and I'm excited to keep going against him [Dont'e Thornton Jr.] and Jack [Bech]. You know, iron sharpening iron.”
I'm sure they have already gotten to go against each other since then, but we haven't gotten to see it yet. The two of them, with their skillset, length, and athleticism, probably battle each other rep after rep after rep. And, it makes both of them better.
When training camp starts, we will get to see what the two of them can do against each other. And, you better believe there will be fireworks.
Darien Porter isn’t scared of doing for the Raiders what many have as a knock on his game
The Raiders need that from him.
