The 2023 NFL Draft will be a great event for teams to start building for their future. Here is the Jakorian Bennett 2023 NFL Draft Profile.
Jakorian Bennett Background
Position: Cornerback
School: Maryland
Size: 5-foot-11, 188 pounds
Class: Senior
2022 Stats: 39 total tackles, 1.5 tackles for loss, 2 interceptions, 11 passes defended
Bennett is one of two corners from Maryland who gained a lot of recognition. He is now in the 2023 NFL Draft.
As a three-star prospect, Bennett went to JUCO to start his college career. He joined Maryland in 2020, but didn’t play much that season. In 2021, Bennett had 24 total tackles, three interceptions and 11 passes defended. His play helped the Terrapins go 7-6. Bennett returned in 2022 with 39 total tackles, two interceptions and 11 passes defended. He led Maryland to an 8-5 record and a win in the Duke’s Mayo Bowl.
Following his Duke’s Mayo Bowl MVP performance, Bennett entered the 2023 NFL Draft. He is currently projected to be a mid-round pick.
Jakorian Bennett Strengths
Bennett has great ball skills that led to solid ball production in the last two seasons at Maryland. He had five interceptions and 22 passes defended over the last two seasons. Bennett makes good jumps to attack the catch point. He has good ball-tracking skills and is able to deflect the ball or intercept it.
He has good athleticism for the position, which shows up on tape and was evident at the NFL Combine. Bennett has good long speed and can match up with receivers vertically. He also can change directions quickly because he has fluid hips. Bennett shows good quickness and burst as well.
His aggressiveness in coming downhill and stopping the run is exciting. Bennett flies to the football and isn’t afraid to lay a hit down on a running back. He doesn’t always make the play, but Bennett will try to do his part to stop the run.
Jakorian Bennett Weaknesses
Bennett can improve his awareness in coverage. He needs to show better route recognition and anticipation. Doing so will help him stay connected in man coverage. He could have better eye balance in zone coverage.
While in coverage, Bennett can be grabby. He was penalized a lot during his time at Maryland. Bennett needs to trust his technique and athleticism rather than holding a receiver. He actually got away with holds and pass interferences at the college level that he might not get away with in the NFL.
His riskiness, which helps him have good ball production, can also work against him. He can sometimes bite on double moves, or get to the catch point too early, which leads to big plays. Bennett needs a little more discipline to improve in this area.
Projected Draft Range: Third Round Pick-Fifth Round Pick
Draft Grade: Fourth-Round Pick
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