As the Las Vegas Raiders begin their second week of OTAs, it’s becoming clear that major changes are coming to their secondary in 2025. Of last year’s starting group, only safety Isaiah Pola-Mao appears poised to retain his role. Both cornerback spots are wide open — and the early frontrunners are new faces.
Free agent signing Eric Stokes and third-round rookie Darien Porter have been running with the first-team defense, according to ESPN’s Ryan McFadden. Meanwhile, 2024 starters Jakorian Bennett and Decamerion Richardson have shifted to second-team reps as they recover and regroup.
New-Look Raiders Secondary Taking Shape at OTAs
Stokes, a former first-round pick, brings significant experience from his time in Green Bay. Though injuries derailed his sophomore and junior campaigns, he appeared in every game last season and has started 32 games across four years. His standout rookie season, which included 14 pass deflections, remains his high-water mark — but the Raiders are hoping he returns to that form.
Porter, on the other hand, is a raw but intriguing prospect. A converted wide receiver from Iowa State, Porter only started seven games in college but showed a nose for the ball in his final year with three interceptions. At 6-4, 195 pounds, his size and athleticism make him a prototypical Pete Carroll-style corner. “He’s taking big leaps,” said DBs coach Marcus Robertson. “He’s got a chance to be really good.”
Bennett, a 2023 fourth-rounder, is recovering from labrum surgery and learning a new system. He started seven games last season before his injury but now faces a steep climb to regain his role. Richardson, who filled in late last year, has also struggled in early reps.
There’s still time before the season kicks off, but so far, the Raiders’ new regime is giving its hand-picked talent the early edge in the secondary overhaul.