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Iowa State University Athletics
Photo by: Jeff Spaur
Porter Picked By Las Vegas In Third Round
04.25.2025 | Football
AMES, Iowa – From wide receiver to cornerback to the NFL.
In a true success story, Iowa State defensive back Darien Porter was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the third round of the 2025 NFL Draft with the No. 68 pick.
Porter came to Iowa State in 2019 and spent his first three seasons at wide receiver, but mostly saw action on special teams during that time. In 2022, Porter moved to the defensive side of the ball and patiently worked his way into the rotation, eventually starting seven games as a senior in 2024.
The Raiders will also get a special teams standout. Porter blocked five kicks (four punt, one FG) in his career, the most by any Cyclone during the Big 12 era (1996-2024).
As a senior, Porter began to really shine on defense, earning Honorable Mention All-Big 12 accolades. He finished the season with 18 tackles, three interceptions and two blocks.
The Bettendorf, Iowa, native intercepted two passes against Iowa to lead the Cyclones to a win against their rival. Porter's third interception of the season came against Texas Tech.
Porter had the nation's sixth-best coverage ranking among cornerbacks according to Pro Football Focus.
He finished his career playing in 64 games, the most of any player in school history and the third-most by a Big 12 player at a single school.
He was a participant at the Reese's Senior Bowl.
2025 Iowa State NFL Draft Picks
Jayden Higgins – Houston Texans – 2nd Round – Pick 34
Darien Porter – Las Vegas Raiders – 3rd Round – Pick 68
Cyclone Draft Notes
- Porter is the second Cyclone to be selected by the Raiders organization…Tim Kohn was the last Cyclone selected by the Raiders (1997 – No. 85 – 3rd round).
- This marks the third-straight season that ISU has had a defensive back drafted (2023 – Anthony Johnson Jr.; 2024 – T.J. Tampa).
- Porter is the 14th Cyclone drafted under Matt Campbell.
- This is Iowa State's second player picked in the 2025 NFL Draft.
‼️ @DarienPorter10 is Vegas bound
— Iowa State Football (@CycloneFB) April 26, 2025
🌪️🚨🫡 pic.twitter.com/1HDYEJfo39
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Players Mentioned
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