2023 Senior Bowl Scouting: CB Jakorian Bennett, Maryland

Jakorian Bennett is built more to the Darius Slay-type mold but will have to develop technique and refine some of his mechanics before he starts in the NFL. He’s more of a zone coverage cornerback, someone who has a natural feel for those types of assignments. While his size might get him in some trouble with some teams, Bennett might be able to work himself into a slot role over the next few years and slowly work into a dependable starter.

Jakorian Bennett

CB – Maryland Terrapins

HT: 5015
WT: 190
Year: Super Senior
High School: McGill Toolen (Mobile, AL)
Rating: 3-star (0.8581)

Projected Draft Grade: Longterm Future Starter

Projection: 4th/5th Round

MD CB Jakorian Bennett is a fiesty player with good ball skills and physical nature. Very good COD skills, able to plant-and-drive and stick with strong routes. Inside/outside defender. #SnapScout23 pic.twitter.com/sUDq8Y5aWm
— Chad Reuter (@chad_reuter) June 17, 2022

Jakorian Bennett scouting notes

Pros:

Good speed. Should run in the high 4.4’s.
He did a very solid job in space-maintaining positioning and ensuring he didn’t get caught up in traffic.
Reacts decently well. Settles into zones very well, and feels the play extremely well.
Shows solid recognition ability.

Cons:

Appears to have a lot of wasted motion in his running form.
Lacks some upper body strength. Doesn’t really flash any promise in this area, either.
Hips aren’t as smooth as I’d like them to be. Isn’t smooth or crisp changing directions.
Doesn’t consistently show much recoverability. Flashes at times.
Not a great tackler. Can get the job done, but certainly doesn’t look very willing to do the job.
Struggles at times with working downhill to make a tackle.
Wants to settle into trail technique, but I’m not sure he’s fast and or athletic enough.
Not particularly physical in man coverage.