The Detroit Lions may not have cornerback as an urgent need after investing their first two picks in the position last year. However, general manager Brad Holmes is always open to strengthening a position, and with veteran Carlton Davis III approaching free agency, the Lions face a tough decision. Davis had an excellent season when healthy and has shown his affection for the team and head coach Dan Campbell. Despite that, Davis is expected to have plenty of suitors when free agency begins, and with other key extensions potentially on the horizon for players like Aidan Hutchinson and Kerby Joseph, the Lions might not have the financial flexibility to re-sign him.
Pro Football Focus ranks Davis as the 25th-best free agent, predicting a three-year deal worth $42 million with $25 million guaranteed. While the Lions are in a favorable position with cap space, the reunion isn’t guaranteed. Last year, the team drafted cornerbacks Terrion Arnold in the first round and Ennis Rakestraw in the second, while Amik Robertson impressed with his versatility on the inside and outside.
One potential cornerback to watch is Darien Porter from Iowa State. Standing at 6-foot-3 and nearly 200 pounds, Porter is an intriguing prospect with significant upside. After transitioning from wide receiver to cornerback in 2022, he has made impressive strides in coverage, earning a seventh-place ranking for his coverage skills according to PFF. Porter allowed just five completions on 17 targets for 70 yards last season, with three interceptions and four forced incompletions. His man-to-man coverage continues to improve, and his natural instinct for zone defense adds another dimension to his skill set.
Given that the Lions favor man coverage, Porter’s length and athleticism could be a strong fit, especially considering that he is still evolving in the position. The team has already met with Porter at the Senior Bowl, indicating their interest. Porter himself recognizes the importance of his press coverage, emphasizing that his height, long arms, and ability to disrupt receivers at the line of scrimmage have been key areas of focus as he adjusts to the new role.
Porter credits former teammate TJ Tampa, a fourth-round pick by the Baltimore Ravens last year, for mentoring him through the transition. Both players share a similar physical profile as taller, lengthier defenders, which has helped Porter make rapid progress.
At 24, Porter is an older prospect, having spent six years at Iowa State. His path to the field was slow initially, but with the shifting landscape of college football, age has not been a deterrent for the Lions in the past. Additionally, Porter’s special teams experience sets him apart. He blocked a punt in each of his four seasons at Iowa State, showing his ability to use his length and burst to make plays. With over ten tackles as a gunner, Porter understands the impact special teams can have on a game and takes pride in that aspect of his game.
Porter’s well-rounded skills, both as a cornerback and a special teams contributor, could make him a valuable asset for the Lions as they continue to strengthen their defense.
