The 2025 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Darien Porter NFL Draft Profile.
Position: Cornerback
School: Iowa State
Size: 6-foot-3, 195 pounds
Class: Senior
2024 stats: 18 total tackles, 2 tackle for loss, 3 interceptions, 2 passes defended
Porter was a three-star recruit in the class of 2019, who stayed in state to play for Iowa State. In his first three seasons with the Cyclones, he didn’t play much as a wide receiver for Iowa State. He changed positions to play corner in 2022 and mostly played special teams. He registered 15 total tackles in 2022 and then 10 in 2022 in a similar role. Porter stepped into the starting lineup in 2024, tallying 18 tackles, three interceptions and two passes defended. He led the team to an 11-3 record.
Following the season, Porter has been preparing for the 2025 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a day-two pick.
Porter has great size for an NFL corner. He stands at 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, which makes him one of the bigger corners in the class. Porter also has good length with over 33-inch arms. His size will allow him to match up with bigger receivers, attack the catchpoint and press well.
His speed is also great for the position. He ran a 4.3 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine and that speed shows up on tape. Porter can run with the fastest receivers he matched up with. He also has a nice recovery burst as well, so if he gets behind early in the rep, he is able to catch up and get back in position.
He has some good potential as a zone corner at the NFL level because of his length, strength and eyes. Porter displays solid eye balance between the quarterback and his area in coverage. He can use that awareness to break on the ball and make plays. Porter’s athleticism helps him cover his entire zone.
Porter is an older prospect with limited experience. He was at Iowa State for six seasons and started just one. While he had plenty of playing time on special teams, he lacks the same number of reps of other corners in this class. He is still learning the position after moving over from wide receiver and may need more time to develop.
He has tight hips, which makes man coverage a little tougher for him. When he is in off-coverage, Porter can allow receivers to break and separate from him, which makes him use his recovery speed to catch up. His struggles to mirror could make him more of a fit for zone coverage teams.
His run support could be more aggressive at the next level as well. Porter has the experience on special teams, but he needs to flow to the ball better, evading and shedding blocks to get to the ball carrier. If he can show more aggression, he has the size to turn this weakness into a strength.
Projected Draft Range: Second Round Pick-Third Round Pick
Draft Grade: Second Round Pick
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