Conference championship weekend is officially under way.
On Friday, three conference championships were decided, with the Jacksonville State Gamecocks winning the Conference USA, the Boise State Broncos claiming the Mountain West, and the Army Black Knights securing the American Athletic Conference. However, many fans’ eyes are on Saturday, when the Power Four conferences not only decide their champions, but effectively determine how the College Football Playoff bracket will play out.
Every team that has played or is playing this weekend has NFL-caliber talent on its roster, all hoping to put together a memorable performance that will stick with scouts throughout the draft process. For some, this will be their last collegiate game before declaring for the draft and preparing for the months to come; for others, it is the first step towards a chance at a national championship and continuing to build their credentials. The Las Vegas Raiders, like the rest of the NFL, will be watching each game closely in the hopes that they can identify prospects who fit their system and how much they should value them.
Here are four names to keep an eye on:
Darien Porter, CB, Iowa State
The Raiders have always had an affixation with freakish athletes, and there are very few athletes in this class who fit that mold more than Porter.
The unanimous pro comparison to Porter has been Seattle Seahawks cornerback Riq Woolen, and it is not difficult to see why. A fellow wide receiver convert, Porter combines his impressive six-foot-three frame with legitimate track star speed. While this season has been the first time Porter has seen significant playing time defensively, he has made the most of it so far by showing off his athleticism repeatedly. He currently projects best in a defensive scheme that primarily uses zone coverage, which would allow him to lock on to ball carriers easier and put him in better position to make plays. Even better for Porter’s NFL future is his special teams experience, playing over 860 snaps on different coverage units. Having that floor available to him is beneficial, especially given Porter will already be 24 years old by the time of the draft.
With three selections in Day 2 of the draft, the Raiders will have the opportunity to select Porter in that range. If they decide to focus on the secondary, expect them to give the Cyclones’ star cornerback a look.
Carson Beck, QB, Georgia
While the general consensus for the Raiders at quarterback is Colorado’s Shedeur Sanders, reuniting Brock Bowers with his former quarterback would not be a terrible alternative should things go differently.
Sure, Beck has had a disappointing season that has resulted in his ceiling being lowered, but the traits that made him such a desirable prospect before are still there. His six-foot-four frame is around the prototypical size of a modern NFL quarterback, but Beck also has the necessary athleticism to avoid being labeled as a statue in the pocket. While Beck’s struggles against pressure have been highlighted more this season, it has also given teams a better idea of where he fits at the next level. Beck performs at his best when he is given a clean pocket and given the time to find his rhythm, having the football IQ to go through his progressions quickly enough and the arm talent to make accurate throws. The best part for the Raiders if they do decide to go with Beck is they do not need to start him right away, giving them a year or so to build their offense around him as he learns to process the game at the speed the NFL demands.
Beck may not be the ideal quarterback prospect in the eyes of Raiders fans, but he would certainly be better than no prospect at all. Mark him down as a potential Plan B if Sanders falls through.
Josh Conerly Jr., OT, Oregon
With starting left tackle Kolton Miller being a free agent after the 2025 season, the Raiders might be in the market for his long-term replacement. If that is the case, Conerly stands out as an excellent fit.
One of the youngest prospects in the class at 21 years old, Conerly has a larger developmental runway than most prospects. While his technique is not quite up to snuff as an NFL starter yet, there are many positive traits that pop up in Conerly’s game that make him a worthwhile option. He is surprisingly fluid in his movement, responding quickly to and sealing off threats from the edge. Conerly also has counters to several pass-rushing moves, forcing opponents to have to work hard to get past him. While there are improvements to be made in terms of consistent play strength and technique, those will come with time and experience. Conerly stands as a prospect who will benefit greatly from an NFL weight room, as well as quality coaching that can mold him into any particular scheme.
The Raiders went to the Oregon well for Jackson Powers-Johnson last year, and he has emerged as their long-term starting center. They could certainly go back for more with Conerly as a Day 2 selection.
DeMonte Capehart, DT, Clemson
While the Raiders are armed to the teeth with pass-rushing threats, there are not many consistent run-stuffing defensive linemen on their roster at the moment. Drafting Capehart would indicate they intend to change that.
Standing six-foot-four and weighing in at 320 pounds, Capehart has the physical dimensions of the prototypical nose tackle. A terrifying blend of strength and explosiveness, Capehart has the ability to accelerate to top speed quickly and bully his way through opposing offensive linemen. His prowess has forced opponents to double-team him, opening up opportunities for other members of Clemson’s deep defensive line to make plays. While that is all well and good, Capehart is not a finished product by any means. He will likely never develop into a reliable pass-rushing option, but the Raiders already have Maxx Crosby and younger options like Tyree Wilson and K’Lavon Chaisson for that. There is also a need for him to develop a plan towards making the play, not simply relying on a single strategy to gain control of his gaps. Fortunately for the Raiders, defensive coordinator Patrick Graham has worked with top defensive tackles like Dexter Lawrence, so a template would already be provided on how to develop a player like Capehart.
Injuries to Christian Wilkins and other defensive pieces have showcased how badly the Raiders need depth. Capehart in the middle rounds would accomplish that goal, at least on the defensive front.
