Darien Porter Scouting Report
By: Michael Higgins
(Image courtesy of Iowa State Athletics)
School: Iowa State
Class: Senior
Position: CB
HT: 6’3
WT: 195 lbs
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Background: Darien Porter was a 3-star wide receiver out of Bettendorf, Iowa in the class of 2019. Porter was a top 75 wide receiver and a top 10 player in Iowa. Porter was an all-state kick returner as a senior for Bettendorf High School. Porter also won the state championship by breaking the state record for the 400 meter dash. Darien Porter chose to stay home and play for Iowa over Nebraska, Minnesota, and Penn State.
College: Porter only appeared on special teams for the first 3 seasons before switching to defensive back in 2022. In 2023, Porter became a key rotational defensive back. He recorded 3 pass breakups on the season while still being an instrumental member of the special teams unit. Darien started 7 games and appeared in 12 in 2024. He was an All-Big 12 selection after recording 3 interceptions and 18 tackles.
Strengths: Darien Porter offers ideal size at the cornerback position. He possesses a rare combination of size, athleticism, and speed at the position that makes it difficult for any wide receiver to consistently win. His track background directly translates to the football field. He can stay in phase with receivers vertically on go routes without giving up an inch of separation. His speed and athleticism combine with his physical nature to create for a shutdown man coverage cornerback. Porter has incredible recovery skills due to that long speed. His length and overall football IQ are showcased in zone coverage, where he can read the quarterback’s eyes, diagnose route concepts, and jump plays to make a play on the ball. Porter has incredible instincts to consistently make splash plays. Porter has superb ball skills for a cornerback and can dominate the catchpoint. He is able to get his head around to make a play on the football rather than relying on the receiver’s body language.
Weaknesses: Darien Porter has tight hips which dictate how he moves throughout a route. He opens his hips too early, allowing receivers to gain inside leverage. Porter’s technique, not only with hip movement, but with everything at the cornerback position, is relatively underdeveloped. He has not spent as much time at the position as his draft counterparts. Additionally, Porter is not an effective run defender as he is an arm tackler. He seems willing and aggressive in the run game, but doesn’t attempt tackling head on.
Conclusion: While Darien Porter is a raw prospect, he has plenty of untapped potential. His ceiling is as high as anyone in the class. His intangibles jump off the page and all of his weaknesses are coachable. He has the chance to develop into a real lockdown cornerback at the next level.
Scheme Fit: Scheme Versatile
Ideal Role: Boundary CB
Best Team Fits: BAL, BUF, CIN
Player Comparison: Tariq Woolen
Player Grade: (Round 3) 79.9
