Las Vegas Raiders head coach Pete Carroll just did what he knows best after drafting CB Darien Porter
If you have watched football for some time, and in-depth football at that, you know that the Las Vegas Raiders head coach, Pete Carroll, just did the most Pete Carroll thing ever on the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft. Everyone knows that Carroll, the former Seattle Seahawks head coach, loves a certain type […]
If you have watched football for some time, and in-depth football at that, you know that the Las Vegas Raiders head coach, Pete Carroll, just did the most Pete Carroll thing ever on the second day of the 2025 NFL Draft.
Everyone knows that Carroll, the former Seattle Seahawks head coach, loves a certain type of defensive back. Look at one of the greatest defenses of all time, and maybe the best pass defense ever in the Legion of Boom back in Seattle — the Raiders always had big, long defensive backs that were fast. That's what he did there, and even did in a few of his last years, and that's what he's trying to do in 2025 with the Raiders.
The defense has some holes, specifically in the secondary. And, he's trying to do everything he can to address the needs. The cornerback room is one of the biggest on the list, especially after releasing Jack Jones. But, the Raiders may have already found his replacement, and he could even be better than Jones in year one, which would be huge for the Silver and Black.
Darien Porter, the former Iowa State CB, is the perfect Pete Carroll CB.
Darien Porter is perfect Pete Carroll CB
When you think about the perfect Pete Carroll CB, think about guys who have length, are big, but also fast. Oh, and they are very versatile. When you think about guys like that, the first name in your head may be Richard Sherman, who also played for the San Francisco 49ers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
Then you think about his last few years with the Seahawks and names like Devon Witherspoon, Tyriq Woolen, and even Coby Bryant at safety. Carroll has a type when it comes to the cornerback position, and he's already brought that over to Las Vegas with the Raiders, If you made one million mock drafts for the Raiders this offseason, one of the more common names you would see in them is Darien Porter, and it's because he is the perfect prototype of a CB for Carroll.
Porter, a 6'4", 197-pound Iowa State cornerback, was originally a wide receiver and high school track star. He switched to cornerback in 2022 and started in 2024, recording three interceptions and five blocked kicks. His speed, size, and special-teams ability make him a likely mid-to-late round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft.
Porter is also willing to and wants to play special teams. And that is not something you will ask very often. In 203 coverage snaps last season, Porter allowed just five catches, per Pro Football Focus. This guy has Pete Carroll's name written all over the pick.
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State Scouting Report
Age: 24 (1/6/2001)
A to Z Sports Draft Projection: 57 Overall, 2nd Round
Scouting Report: A former wide receiver turned cornerback, Darien Porter is an intriguing evaluation. He's long, physical, productive, and is one of the best athletes in this cornerback class. However, his lack of exposure at cornerback is also evident, with below average awareness and route recognition. He has all the tools to be successful, but he is also already 24 years old with just one full starting season at corner. He has the tools worth banking on, but how high? – AJ Schultz, A to Z Sports NFL Draft Analyst
Career Projection: Boom Bust Starter Potential
Hidden gems after Round 1 who would be a great fit for the Las Vegas Raiders in the 2025 NFL Draft
The Raiders could take one of those guys.
