Maryland had a pair of cornerbacks make their NFL debut on Sunday as Jakorian Bennett finished third on the Raiders in tackles, helping Oakland spoil Sean Payton’s first game as Broncos’ head coach.
The former third-round pick has drawn glowing praise through the offseason, whether from head coach Josh McDaniels or receiver Davante Adams, as Bennett has settled into a starting role. Bennett starred at Maryland for three seasons, but according to The Athletic, there was a chance the former juco product could’ve only been in College Park for two seasons.
“Bennett considered declaring for the draft in 2022 and also flirted with the idea of transferring to an SEC program to get more exposure. But he ultimately decided to stay put. His coaches at Maryland convinced him he had more to do to prepare for the NFL — and that they could bring it out of him.
Locksley, Baker and Maryland defensive coordinator Brian Williams implemented a plan during spring practice consisting of drills that forced Bennett to adopt a receiver’s mindset. After practices, they had him run routes and make catches like a receiver to improve his hands, timing and ability to judge the catch point.”
Jakorian Bennett attack downhill as force player on edge to make tackle for short gain. #RaiderNation pic.twitter.com/9XX8nLnWPR
— Ryan Holmes (@Rholm22) September 11, 2023
Bennett’s return proved to be a big piece for Maryland’s secondary after tying for third in the Big Ten in pass breakups before watching his draft stock soar following the 2022 season. Bennett became the second cornerback to hear his name called during the NFL Draft, after Deonte Banks became the third first-round pick over the last six years.
Banks finished with a tackle and a pair of passes defended on three targets, but against Cowboys receivers Brandin Cooks, Ceedee Lamb and Michael Gallup, Banks didn’t allow one catch.
Meanwhile, Stefon Diggs left it all on the field Monday night in the Bills 22-16 loss to the Jets after finishing with 102 yards and a touchdown on ten catches, three of which came on the Bills game-tying drive. Unfortunately, after going three-and-out on their only overtime drive, the Bills gave up a punt return touchdown that ended the first Monday Night Football game of the season.
Bears wide receiver DJ Moore and edge Yannick Ngakoue saw their team get blown out 38-20 by the Packers. It was a quiet day for Moore, who caught both of his targets for 25 yards, while Ngakoue had four tackles, a sack, and two tackles for loss. Darnell Savage led Green Bay in tackles with ten tackles, along with a tackle for loss. Nick Cross’ Colts also lost their game against the Jaguars 31-21, as he finished with two tackles. Chargers cornerback JC Jackson defended three passes and intercepted another in the Chargers 36-34 loss to the Dolphins. He was also called for a pass interference that led to a Miami field goal before halftime.
Chad Ryland made both of his extra point attempts as the Patriots couldn’t complete the comeback against the Eagles, going down 25-20. Rakim Jarrett didn’t have a target in the Bucs’ 20-17 win over the Vikings but did have a rushing attempt that went for zero yards. Cardinals linebacker Josh Woods finished with a pair of assisted tackles, while Steelers running back Anthony McFarland added eleven yards on a pair of catches. Titans tight end Chig Okonkwo didn’t catch either of his targets in the Titans’ 16-15 loss to the Saints. Veteran defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson also added a pair of sacks and three quarterback hurries in the Jets’ comeback win.
With Spencer Anderson already on the Steelers’ 53-man roster, Jaelyn Duncan was inactive for the Titans’ loss against the Saints. Michael Dunn was also activated to the Browns’ 53-man roster on Tuesday.
While they didn’t see the field this weekend, two more Terps saw their names called. The Pittsburgh Steelers announced the signing of Jacob Copeland to their practice squad on Tuesday following Diontae Johnson’s injury. Running back Jake Funk was also activated to the Indianapolis Colts’ 53-man roster after Evan Hull was injured in week one, while Jonathan Taylor remains sidelined.
Young Terps: Maryland set to renew border rivalry vs. Virginia on Friday
Notes from Tuesday’s practice (+)
Mike Locksley on Virginia’s QBs, renewing regional rivalry, OL and freshmen development
New Jersey OL gets first look at Maryland (+)
Virginia athlete becoming a familiar face in College Park (+)
