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Raiders could rely on another rookie to start early

Originally posted on Dice City Sports | By Derek Hegna | Last updated Jul 28, 2025 11:34 AM ET

The first week of training camp for the Las Vegas Raiders has been a whirlwind as far as roster placement is concerned.

Sixth overall pick Ashton Jeanty is the undisputed starting running back, but that is hardly a surprise. What is more curious, however, is fourth-round rookie Dont’e Thornton Jr. running on the first-team offense with wide receivers Jakobi Meyers and Tre Tucker. Second-round pick Jack Bech is also impressing at training camp, so the Raiders could reasonably start three rookies early during the 2025 season.

The youth movement also appears to be taking hold on the defensive side of the ball, as well.

Is this rookie ready to take heavy responsibility for the Raiders this season?

According to Raiders team writer Levi Edwards, third-round pick Darien Porter is emerging as a first-team cornerback, suggesting he is a candidate to start early on.

Darien Porter has been rolling with the first-team in training camp, and Pete Carroll made it clear again today he’s not scared to play his rookies. https://t.co/dQqD96EwBd

— Levi Edwards (@theleviedwards) July 25, 2025

Porter already appears to have gained the trust of head coach Pete Carroll, which is a good thing for his NFL prospects.

A converted wide receiver, Porter only has one season of starting experience with Iowa State last year. However, Porter was fantastic for the Cyclones, allowing a 29.4% completion rate and a measly 4.7 passer rating when targeted. Carroll likely saw many of the same traits as Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen in Porter, and the veteran head coach seems ready to repeat the process like he did with his former team.

Jakorian Bennett and Eric Stokes will still give Porter some competition, but it currently stands as if the rookie will get his chance to shine as early as Week One against the New England Patriots.

This article first appeared on Dice City Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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