Bennett Drafted By Raiders In Fourth Round

Press release...

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- University of Maryland defensive back Jakorian Bennett was selected by the Las Vegas Raiders in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft on Saturday. 

Bennett is the second Terrapin to be drafted thus far in 2023, joining defensive back Deonte Banks, who was chosen by the New York Giants in the first round on Thursday. Maryland has had multiple players selected in five of the last six NFL Drafts.

Bennett, who was selected with the second pick in the fourth round (No. 104 overall), is the fifth Maryland defensive back chosen in the draft over the last five years.  

“Jakorian is a guy that came back to Maryland for an extra year because he had something to prove and he took full advantage of that,” said Maryland Head Coach Michael Locksley. “He developed into a tremendous player and leader during his three years as a Terp. The Raiders are getting a player that will live in the facility and work extremely hard to be an outstanding pro.”

Bennett had a stellar senior season for the Terps, ranking tied for third in the Big Ten in pass break-ups (11) and tied for fifth in passes defensed (13). A Reese's Senior Bowl participant, Bennett led all FBS players in passes defended since the beginning of the 2021 season with 29.

A Mobile, Alabama native, Bennett finished the 2023 season with 39 tackles (26 solo), two interceptions and 1.5 tackles for loss. He was named the Duke's Mayo Bowl MVP after securing an interception to seal the Maryland win on what would've been a go-ahead drive for NC State. Bennett ran a 4.30 second 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine, the second fastest time amongst all defensive backs.