Maryland saw a pair of Terps shine at the 2022 NFL combine before both safety Nick Cross and tight end Chigoziem Okonkwo heard their names called at the NFL Draft. But with Maryland returning 15 starters for the 2022 season, we take a look at which Terps could get the opportunity to showcase themselves at the 2023 combine.
QB Taulia Tagovailoa: Taulia is coming off a season in which he broke the single-season record for completions, yards, and tied for touchdowns by a Maryland quarterback. With stats like that, most quarterbacks would be on NFL radars but the 2023 quarterback class is a deep one headlined by Bryce Young and CJ Stroud. The only reason why Tagovailoa wouldn’t be looked at is that he’s smaller than the average NFL quarterback, but. He also had a few rough games in 2021, including a five-interception performance against Iowa. However, at his best, he’s one of the Big Ten’s best quarterbacks but he’ll draw comparisons against his brother at the next level. “Is he like his brother or is he just a little bit down from that? We’ll see,” ESPN draft analyst Mel Kiper said on Monday. “Had a heck of a year last year for Maryland, for Mike Locksley.” He’s not a lock for next year’s combine, but close to it.
WR Dontay Demus: If Demus doesn’t get hurt against Iowa he would have joined Cross and Okonkwo at the combine this year. There are some questions about when he will be back and effective he will be. However, if Demus can remind people how talented he is, there will be a combine invite in his future. In five games, he had 28 catches for 508 yards and three touchdowns in 2021 and though the star receiver was sidelined this spring, he’s listed as a first rounder in a pair of way-too-early mock drafts. Bleacher Report projects Demus going 18th overall, CBS Sports projects him going 19th overall while Walter Football has him going 23rd overall. His rehab process will be the biggest determining factor between now and the fall.
WR Rakim Jarrett: Jarrett stepped up when Demus and Jeshaun Jones went down with injuries last year. He finished the season with 62 catches for 829 yards and five touchdowns. This year with Demus most likely not ready to go by week one, Jarrett becomes the number one for the Terps. Another season with numbers like last year or better should make him a lock for the combine. Being a former five-star recruit won’t hurt either.
WR Jacob Copeland: the former Florida receiver contemplated jumping on his NFL aspirations following the 2021 season and despite two seasons of eligibility heading into the fall, one big season for Copeland could be all that’s needed. With Demus battling back from injury, Copeland will get a chance to shine in a room that features Jarrett, Jeshaun Jones and Fleming. Copeland drew MVP honors from Maryland’s spring game after finishing with a game-high 70 receiving yards on five receptions.
OT Jaelyn Duncan: Duncan has all the physical tools to be a ten-year starter at tackle in the NFL. The only thing that is going to keep him from being wanted by NFL teams is himself. Duncan has gotten better every year since taking over the left tackle spot as a redshirt freshman. He could have declared for the draft this year and had a good chance to be taken. However, Duncan chose to stay for one more year, and it could pay off for him. An all-conference nod and solid performances against teams like Ohio State, Penn State, and Michigan would be more than enough to earn an invite.
CB Jakorian Bennett: The former Hutchinson product gave Maryland’s secondary a big boost when he announced his return for the 2022 season. Bennett battled and played through a broken finger in 2021 and is expected to return as a starter this fall alongside Tarheeb Still and Deonte Banks and after making major strides from 2020 to 2021, a similar jump could vault him squarely on NFL radars. Bennett led all Power Five players with 16 pass breakups in 2021, the most by a Terp since Domonique Foxworth had 22 back in 2003, and led the team in interceptions (three) before being named All-Big Ten honorable mention.
Others: OL Johari Branch, OT Spencer Anderson, NT Ami Finau, DT Mosiah Nasili-Kite, K Chad Ryland
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I think Deonte Banks could join them.
I think so far its been 12 mock drafts within the past week that have Demus in the first round. I think other guys on the roster with a good season could play their way into the draft would be Banks, Still as well as Nchami.