HENDERSON, Nev. -- The Las Vegas Raiders' 2025 third-round draft pick, Darien Porter, has drawn comparisons to NFL legend Richard Sherman, thanks to his impressive physical attributes and potential. Both players share a similar build and background, having transitioned from wide receiver to cornerback during their college careers.

Physical and Skill Comparisons

• Richard Sherman: 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, 32-inch arm span, 38-inch vertical jump, 4.54-second 40-yard dash.
• Darien Porter: 6-foot-3, 195 pounds, 33.13-inch arm span, 36.5-inch vertical jump, 4.3-second 40-yard dash.

Porter's elite combination of size, length, speed, and ball skills has intrigued Raiders coach Pete Carroll, who famously coached Sherman during his tenure with the Seattle Seahawks.

College Careers and Transition

Sherman played three seasons as a wide receiver at Stanford before switching to cornerback for his final two seasons. Similarly, Porter spent three seasons as a wide receiver at Iowa State before transitioning to cornerback for another three seasons. Despite limited starting experience, Porter's potential has been recognized by both his college coaches and the Raiders' staff.

High Hopes and Expectations

Carroll has high expectations for Porter, comparing his makeup to that of Sherman. "There's a lot of similarities in the makeup of these two kids," Carroll said. "Richard's history is pretty bright, so I have high expectations for how this works out with Darien, and he kind of fits the mold."

Performance and Potential

At Iowa State, Porter made a name for himself on special teams, showcasing his top-end speed as a gunner. His transition to cornerback was facilitated by his experience as a wide receiver, giving him a unique understanding of offensive strategies.

In his final college season, Porter blossomed into a reliable defender, recording 18 tackles, three pass breakups, and three interceptions in 409 defensive snaps. His performance has set the stage for a promising NFL career.

Immediate Impact and Special Teams

Porter's impact is expected to be immediate, particularly on special teams, where he has a history of blocking kicks. The Raiders are excited about the value he can provide, both defensively and on special teams.

Conclusion

While it remains to be seen whether Porter will achieve the same level of success as Sherman, the Raiders are optimistic about his potential. With Carroll's guidance and Porter's unique skill set, the future looks bright for this promising rookie.