Jakorian Bennett: 40 time| Draft| PFF| Stats

Jakorian Bennett is an emerging name in the NFL, known for his blazing speed, lockdown coverage, and explosive athleticism. A product of Maryland’s football program, Bennett quickly became one of the most intriguing cornerbacks in his draft class due to his impressive 40-yard dash time and standout performances in college.

In this article, we’ll dive deep into Jakorian Bennett’s 40 time, his NFL Draft journey, PFF grades, college and professional stats, and what makes him a player to watch in the seasons ahead.

Who is Jakorian Bennett?

Jakorian Bennett is an American football cornerback born on September 24, 2000, in Mobile, Alabama. His football journey began at Hutchinson Community College before transferring to the University of Maryland, where he developed into a top defensive back prospect.

Known for his athleticism, work ethic, and competitive spirit, Bennett has carved out a promising future in the NFL. His speed and agility have helped him become a valuable asset in both man and zone coverage.

Jakorian Bennett 40 Time: Elite Speed on Display

One of the most talked-about aspects of Jakorian Bennett’s pre-draft profile was his 40-yard dash time. At the 2023 NFL Scouting Combine, he ran an impressive 4.30 seconds in the 40-yard dash, making him one of the fastest cornerbacks in his draft class.

Why is the 40 Time Important?

The 40-yard dash is a key metric for NFL scouts evaluating a player’s straight-line speed. For cornerbacks, speed is crucial to keep up with fast receivers and make plays on the ball. Bennett’s 4.30 time not only showcased his quickness but also increased his draft stock significantly.

Combine Performance Highlights:

• 40-yard dash: 4.30 seconds

• Vertical jump: 40.5 inches

• Broad jump: 11’1″

These athletic numbers reflect Bennett’s explosiveness and ability to change direction, giving him an edge in both coverage and special teams.

Jakorian Bennett NFL Draft Journey

Jakorian Bennett was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the 4th round of the 2023 NFL Draft with the 104th overall pick. While some experts believed he could go in the late second or third round, his selection in the fourth round was considered a solid value pick for the Raiders.

Draft Scouting Report Summary:

• Strengths:

  • Exceptional speed and recovery ability

  • Quick reaction to routes

  • Strong ball tracking and pass breakup skills

  • Physical in press coverage

• Weaknesses:

  • Needs improvement in tackling technique

  • Occasionally overaggressive

  • Limited experience against top-tier WRs

Pre-Draft Rankings:

• NFL.com Grade: 6.22 – “Will eventually be a starter”

• CBS Sports Ranking: No. 14 CB

• PFF Draft Board: Top 100 overall prospects

Bennett entered the league with the potential to develop into a starting-caliber cornerback, especially in a Raiders secondary that needed help against the pass.

Jakorian Bennett PFF Grades and Analysis

Pro Football Focus (PFF) provides comprehensive analytical data for player performance, grading players on every snap. Here’s how Jakorian Bennett has performed based on PFF’s advanced metrics:

College Career PFF Highlights (Maryland):

• 2022 Season Overall Grade: 74.0

• Coverage Grade: 78.4

• Run Defense Grade: 66.9

• Passer Rating Allowed: 66.1

• Pass Breakups (2022): 10 (Tied 1st in Big Ten)

2023 NFL Season (Rookie Year) PFF Grades:

• Overall Grade: 62.3

• Coverage Grade: 64.1

• Tackling Grade: 58.7

• Penalties: 5

• Targeted Passer Rating: 89.2

Bennett showed flashes of elite potential during his rookie season, particularly in zone coverage. His ability to close in on receivers and disrupt passing lanes was evident, though consistency and tackling remain areas of focus heading into his second year.

Jakorian Bennett Stats: College and NFL

College Stats (Maryland):

• Led the Big Ten in passes defended (2021).

• Consistently ranked among the conference leaders in PBUs (pass breakups).

NFL Stats (2023 – Rookie Season):

These rookie numbers are promising, considering he faced top-tier quarterbacks and receivers. His role is expected to expand in 2024.

Strengths of Jakorian Bennett’s Game

1. Elite Speed and Quickness

Bennett’s 4.30 40-time speaks for itself. He’s rarely outpaced by receivers, which gives him a natural advantage in coverage.

2. Ball Skills

Throughout college and into his NFL rookie year, Bennett demonstrated an instinct for making plays on the football. His hands and timing are key to his high number of deflections.

3. Scheme Versatility

He has shown the ability to play both man and zone, although he thrives more in zone where he can read the QB and break on the ball.

4. Aggressiveness and Physicality

Jakorian is not afraid to challenge receivers at the line of scrimmage, disrupting their routes early and dictating the tempo.

Areas for Improvement

1. Tackling Technique

While he’s not a liability in run support, Bennett has missed some open-field tackles, which NFL offenses often capitalize on.

2. Discipline in Coverage

At times, he bites on double moves or takes overly aggressive angles. Improving his discipline will reduce big plays.

3. Penalty Management

As a physical corner, he must avoid excessive grabbing or illegal contact penalties that hurt his team’s momentum.

What’s Next for Jakorian Bennett?

With one NFL season under his belt, Jakorian Bennett is entering 2024 with high expectations. He’ll likely see increased playing time, potentially locking down a starting CB spot for the Raiders depending on training camp performance and preseason outcomes.

Key Goals for 2024:

• Improve tackling efficiency

• Increase INT count

• Reduce coverage penalties

• Earn a top-50 CB ranking by PFF

If he continues to progress, Bennett could emerge as one of the top young defensive backs in the league within the next two seasons.

Jakorian Bennett Compared to Other 2023 Draft CBs

While he wasn’t a first-rounder like some of his peers, Bennett’s physical tools and upside suggest he could match their production in the long term.

Final Thoughts

Jakorian Bennett is more than just a speedster—he’s a cornerback with a high ceiling. His 4.30 40-yard dash, promising PFF grades, and consistent stats show that he has all the tools to become a reliable starter in the NFL.

If he sharpens his tackling and hones his technique, Bennett could be a key piece in a resurgent Raiders defense. With youth, athleticism, and determination on his side, fans and analysts alike will be watching closely as his NFL journey continues.