Grading The Raiders: Was Darrien Porter A Smart Pick At #68?

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Post on Apr 27, 2025

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Grading the Raiders: Was Darrien Porter a Smart Pick at #68?

The Las Vegas Raiders surprised many with their selection of South Dakota State cornerback Darrien Porter in the third round (68th overall) of the 2024 NFL Draft. While some lauded the pick as a shrewd move to address a need, others questioned whether the team reached for a player who might not be ready for prime time. So, was selecting Porter at #68 a smart move by the Raiders? Let's delve into the details and grade the pick.

Porter's Strengths: A Rising Star with Potential

Porter's impressive college career at South Dakota State is undeniable. He consistently showcased exceptional ball skills, recording numerous interceptions and pass breakups. His size (6'0", 190 lbs) is a significant asset in a league increasingly dominated by bigger receivers. His athleticism, evident in his agility drills and game film, further enhances his potential. Many draft analysts highlighted his ability to read quarterbacks and react quickly, traits crucial for NFL cornerbacks.

• Excellent Ball Skills: Porter's knack for intercepting passes and disrupting plays was a major selling point.
• Impressive Size and Athleticism: His physical attributes give him an advantage against many receivers.
• High Football IQ: His ability to anticipate routes and react quickly is a valuable asset.

Porter's Weaknesses: The Transition to the NFL

While Porter's strengths are undeniable, his transition to the NFL presents several challenges. The jump in competition from the FCS to the NFL is significant. He'll face much faster and more skilled receivers, requiring a significant adjustment in his technique and game awareness. Concerns have been raised about his tackling ability and his performance against elite competition.

• Level of Competition: The FCS level is considerably less competitive than the NFL.
• Tackling Consistency: Some scouts noted inconsistency in his tackling technique.
• Experience Against Top-Tier Receivers: Limited exposure to top-level talent could be a hindrance.

Grading the Pick: A Risky but Potentially Rewarding Gamble

Grading the Raiders' selection of Darrien Porter at #68 is tricky. On one hand, securing a player with his potential and upside in the third round is a positive. His skillset offers a high ceiling, and with proper coaching and development, he could become a valuable contributor to the Raiders' secondary. However, the risks are clear. His relative lack of experience against top-tier competition and potential weaknesses in tackling could hinder his immediate impact.

The Verdict: A B-. The Raiders clearly identified Porter's upside and potential. However, the pick carries inherent risk due to the level of competition he faced in college and the need for significant development. If he can overcome these challenges, the pick will prove to be a steal. However, if he struggles to adapt to the NFL, it could be considered a reach. Ultimately, time will tell if this was a smart move by Las Vegas.

Looking Ahead: The Raiders' coaching staff will play a critical role in Porter's development. Their ability to refine his technique, improve his tackling, and prepare him for the NFL's physicality will determine the ultimate success of this draft pick. Monitoring his progress throughout training camp and the preseason will be crucial in assessing the long-term impact of this selection. Raiders fans will be closely watching to see if Porter can live up to the hype and become a valuable asset to the team.