Silver Minings: Darien Porter’s confidence is growing year 2
LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - AUGUST 13: Darien Porter #26 of the Las Vegas Raiders leaves the field after the team's 27-14 loss to the Arizona Cardinals in a preseason game at Allegiant Stadium on August 13, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. (Photo by Ethan Miller/Getty Images) | Getty ImagesThe Las Vegas Raiders drafted Darien Porter in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft. Porter was a wide receiver-turned-cornerback who put together one of the best statistical seasons for a college cornerback.
He was hoping to take those talents to the league. In 2025, there were flashes of his talent, but the up-and-downs of a rookie were most of his 2025 season. Now heading into year 2, Porter is more accustomed to the game and is feeling his confidence growing.
Like I said, kind of earlier, like the experience. Like guarding NFL guys, professionals, week in and
week out over time has just helped build my confidence. When you make a couple plays, the confidence
just keeps stacking. And I feel like throughout camp, I've made plays and Coach [Kubiak] has put me in
position to do that. So, the confidence just keeps building from there."
Porter has a chance to become the starting cornerback in Week 1 if he continues on this path. Hopefully, that confidence leads to a leap in his sophomore campaign.
In other Raiders links:
- TDL film review for preseason Week 1: The Tape Don't Lie crew goes over the film from the first preseason game of the season.
- Raiders sign WR Noah Brown: Raiders add WR Noah Brown and release Benito Jones.
- Raiders sixth-round rookie receiver Malik Benson earns first-team reps: Malik Benson continues his emergence, earning first-team reps.