On the same day that cornerback Jakorian Bennett, receiver Jacob Copeland, receiver Dontay Demus and offensive lineman Jaelyn Duncan were named to the Reese’s Senior Bowl Watch List, a pair of different Terps were named top draft picks for next year’s NFL Draft. Outside linebacker Durell Nchami and wide receiver Rakim Jarrett were named to PFF’s preseason top 100 list of draft prospects. It’s no surprise to see either make the cut as both will be integral parts of Maryland’s success this fall, but Nchami’s play may be an X-factor in how far Maryland can go this fall. After missing half of the 2021 season and being sidelined back in 2019, Nchami returns to the starting lineup as a JACK for a Maryland front seven that will be tasked with generating pressure despite losing pieces on the outside. Maryland also welcomes former Alabama and West Virginia linebacker Vandarius Cowan to the front seven, but Nchami returned to the team this summer battling back from injury. Nchami was previously rated the eighth-best edge rusher in next year’s draft, but he knows he’ll have to follow through on the preseason hype. “I see it, but you know, I know I still got put into work, you know at the end of the day, none that really means anything. I can still, you know, fall down whatever on those lists. So, I gotta really just put into work, stay humble, you know, just keep grinding. That’s all I can do.” https://twitter.com/TerpsFootball/status/1560656276832813056 Jarrett, meanwhile, is a playmaker in a receiver room that features Dontay Demus, Jacob Copeland and Jeshaun Jones as Maryland has its eyes set for a lethal passing attack this fall. The 2022 Biletnikoff Award watch list candidate started all 13 games last fall as he led Maryland in every receiving category and stood top ten in the Big Ten in receptions, receiving yards and touchdowns. Jarrett stepped into a feature role last fall after Demus and Jones went down with season-ending injuries and finished last season tied with Stefon Diggs for most catches in a single season, but now being an NFL Draft candidate, he knows what his goal is for the fall. “We’re all trying to go to the NFL after this year, so I think we’re all going to bring our best to practice and to games each day, so I think it’d be great to compete with each other and against each other in the same group.” Related Links Maryland's potential on offense impressing '24 WR Elijah Moore NFL Preseason Week Two: Pair of Terps Record First Touchdowns, One Rookie Shines Maryland basketball's NIL collective building with season approaching Imminent decision expected from priority target (+) Five Players Most Likely to Burn Redshirt in 2022 Shell-N-Tell: Last line of defense VIP notes: second scrimmage rumblings, DMV target, upcoming visitor (+)
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