Many draft predictions have the New Orleans Saints targeting a cornerback with an early-round choice. In less than one year, it has become a legitimate need for the franchise.
The Saints traded Marshon Lattimore before the end of last season. They'd go on to lose Paulson Adebo in free agency. Kool-Aid McKinstry, a 2024 second-round choice, looks like a potential star. The Saints also have Alontae Taylor, but he's been most effective when moved around the formation.
Even while bringing back CB Isaac Yiadom, the Saints still could use another starting quality corner. If they don't target one in the first round, they could look to tap into what looks like a deep class at the position with a Day 2 pick.
Here is one of those corners that should fall in that range.
Iowa State defensive back Darien Porter (DB25) runs the 40 yard dash during the 2025 NFL Combine. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
A football standout and track star at Bettendorf High School in Iowa, Porter set a state record with an incredible time of 46.99 seconds in the 400m dash. He'd commit to Iowa State as a wide receiver, where he'd remain for three years.
Porter was little more than a special teams contributor for his first three seasons, catching only one pass between 2019 and 2021. In 2022, he'd make the switch to defensive back and worked his way into a bigger role over his last three years.
Between 2022 and 2023, Porter broke up 5 passes and recorded 25 tackles. Last season, he'd have 3 interceptions for the Cyclones while breaking up 4 throws in a starting role for the first time.
Inexperience is obviously the main concern with Porter. He may take time to develop while still learning the position and is already 25 years old. Iowa State played predominantly zone, so Porter has even less experience in man coverage. This could lead to some early bumps when pressed into that role, especially against crafty receivers.
Iowa State Cyclones cornerback Darien Porter (10) in coverage against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Credit: YouTube
Porter's inexperience sometimes also shows in run recognition and multiple receiver formations in off-ball coverage. He'll need to be smoother in his backpedal and coverage transitions, because he'll be challenged often by quarterbacks.
Listed at 6'3" and 195-Lbs., Porter brings ideal length to the position. He also has something you can't teach -- Speed. His 4.3 40-time and 1.49 10-yard shuttle were among the best at the NFL Scouting Combine. He also turned in an impressive 6.71 in the 3-cone drill and 4.04 in the 20-yard shuttle.
Unlike some, Porter's speed and explosive burst carries over to the field. He can stay with anybody on deep routes, but also has a dynamic change-of-direction to stay with them stride for stride on breaks.
Despite his inexperience, Porter seems to possess good natural instincts of opposing routes. He has a terrific break on the ball, but also shows a good understanding of route concepts. Even with his inexperience, Porter has shown solid natural skills for man coverage.
Iowa State Cyclones defensive back Darien Porter (10) breaks up a pass to UCF Knights wideout Ja'Varrius Johnson (9). Mandatory Credit: Reese Strickland-Imagn Images
Porter also has the ability to be a special teams demon. He doesn't shy away from contact on coverage units and blocked 5 kicks over his collegiate career.
Darien Porter is projected to be a late-Day 3 selection, but his inexperience could cause a tumble into Day 3. His immediate value is on special teams, but his speed and natural coverage feel gives him long-term defensive upside.
Porter may be too raw to be expected to step in as an instant defensive contributor. However, his speed and natural coverage instincts could quickly carve out a role against multiple receiver sets.
The Saints are a team that has always valued special teams standouts. Additionally, new defensive assistant Terry Joseph has a long reputation of developing defensive backs quickly at the collegiate level. Porter's upside may be too enticing to pass up if available in the middle rounds.
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