2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jakorian Bennett (CB – Maryland)

With the NFL season in the rearview mirror, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Jakorian Bennett.

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2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Jakorian Bennett (CB – Maryland)

Jakorian Bennett (CB – Maryland)

5’11” – 193 lbs.

Background:

Originally attended Hutchinson Community College, where he spent two seasons before totaling 225 snaps over four appearances for Maryland in the shortened 2020 season, allowing just 9/19 passes to be completed. Has been a full-time starter ever since, allowing 34/63 passing for 483 yards, three touchdowns, and three interceptions in 2021, breaking up another eight throws. Had an even better senior season in which only 24/54 throws against him were completed for 309 yards, no touchdowns, and two interceptions, adding seven breakups.

Positives:

Effective two-year starter for a respected program. Was asked to play on both sides of the field (field side and boundary), with a good mix of man and zone coverages; lined up in the slot or box less often, but such responsibilities still represented about 22% of his total snaps. Feisty and competitive player with a good temperament. Shows some attention to detail with his footwork and can match releases effectively at the line. Quick reflexes allow him to stay in-phase when working in man coverage. Patiently diagnoses route combinations from zone, with appropriate risk management. Burst when planting and driving on a spot is impressive, and has some ball-hawking tendencies. Able to bait quarterbacks into throws from zone and close on them to make plays. Broke up an impressive fifteen passes over the past two seasons. Attacks blocks with aggression and shows above-average functional strength.

Negatives:

Has a somewhat thin build, and arms measured just under 31.5” at the Senior Bowl, indicating below-average length. Looks high and linear at times and could benefit by slightly widening his base and bending his knees a bit more. Could be more consistent about using his hands to feel routes developing and stay connected. Was penalized thirteen times over the past two seasons. Closer to an average tackler, having missed 16.9% of his career attempts; willing to get involved, but doesn’t always put his body behind his attempts, relying on too many arm tackles.

Summary:

An interesting prospect who has the reflexes, burst, and ball skills teams look for in a cornerback, but who has some minor technical issues to clean up and whose length is a little bit less than ideal for the next level. Primarily played outside in school, but it’s possible teams could view him as a candidate to either slide into the slot, or potentially to work as more of a versatile nickel defender, where his ability to diagnose from zone could be highlighted. Will mostly likely start getting attention early on the third day.

Projection: Round 4-5