How Young Raiders CBs Pushing Each Other in Training Camp

The Las Vegas Raiders need to see their cornerbacks play better in 2026.

In 2025, the Raiders ranked 30th in the NFL in completion percentage allowed, a mark defensive coordinator Rob Leonard doesn't want to see again. They didn't allow many yards per game, but they'd certainly like to force more incompletions.

Las Vegas Raiders DC Rob Leonard | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

That's why General Manager John Spytek addressed the secondary in the offseason, re-signing Eric Stokes to a three-year contract and adding four defensive backs in the 2026 NFL Draft. While young, the Raiders hope those players can make an impact this season and beyond.

The Cornerback Battle

That includes one of the top position battles in training camp: second-year man Darien Porter and rookie fourth-round pick Jermod McCoy. Porter saw action in his rookie season and had some promising moments, while McCoy was a top-10 talent who fell because of injuries.

Competition breeds talent throughout training camp and the preseason, and that is exactly what has been happening in Las Vegas. Porter felt the pressure from McCoy and his star potential, but he has not backed off from his shot at a starting job.

Las Vegas Raiders CB Darien Porter | Darrell Craig Harris, On SI

Porter has been impressive throughout training camp, running with the starters and seeing action in the preseason. He made a tackle against the Houston Texans and looks to be in line to be a starter if he can hold on.

However, McCoy won't stop gunning for his spot. He would have been a first-round pick if not for concerning knee injuries during the pre-draft process.

Who Will Win?

The Raiders could have a future star on their hands if McCoy realizes his potential. They have not had a player of his caliber in the secondary since Charles Woodson, if he pans out the way he is supposed to.

That won't stop Porter from doing his best to hang on to his current starting job. Porter is long, fast, and athletic, giving him the ideal build of a modern NFL cornerback.

If he can continue to develop after an up-and-down rookie season, the Raiders will have a quality starter on their hands. However, McCoy has a higher ceiling due to his sheer talent and competitiveness.

No matter who ends up as the starter, this year or in the future, the Raiders have two players pushing themselves to play alongside Stokes. There is no downside to competition in this case, because both are young player who are learning their way in the NFL.

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