Pro Day Journal, Maryland: Rakim Jarrett Impresses in Workout
For the next month and change, the question of who will be the Indianapolis Colts' next quarterback will dominate the team's narrative.
Most believe the answer to that question lies ahead in the 2023 NFL Draft, as C.J. Stroud, Bryce Young, Anthony Richardson, and Will Levis can all make a compelling argument to be picked within the first five selections.
But after the Colts select a quarterback, they must address other holes on the roster. Some of those players may come from a school way out on the east coast. The Maryland Terrapins held their Pro Day on Wednesday as some big names worked out in front of NFL Scouts for the final time before draft day.
Horseshoe Huddle's Zach Hicks was in attendance and brings you his thoughts from the day.
- The Indianapolis Colts were among the 31 teams that were in attendance at Maryland's Pro Day (the only absent team was the Kansas City Chiefs). Overall, over 60 scouts were on hand for the event. I couldn't exactly see which Colts' personnel member was in attendance at this event, but Maryland Head Coach Mike Locksley did confirm that Colts' representatives were there.
- The Maryland players that worked out today include; IOL Spencer Anderson, CB Deonte Banks, CB Jakorian Bennett, OL Johari Branch, DL Henry Chibueze, DL Greg China-Rose, WR Jacob Copeland, LB VanDarius Cowan, WR Dontay Demus Jr., OT Jaelyn Duncan, DL Ami Finau, WR Rakim Jarrett, LB Durell Nchami, K Chad Ryland.
- Of the players listed above, only a handful participated in workouts. Cornerback Deonte Banks, a potential first round pick, held out of both the workouts and the on-field drills. In talking to members of the media afterwards, he said he was opting to stand on his performance at the NFL Combine.
- Cornerback Jakorian Bennett also stood on his workout numbers from the NFL Combine, but he did participate during the on-field drills. He wowed scouts with his explosion and overall athleticism, and he appears ready to be a day two pick in next month's draft.
- Offensive tackle Jaelyn Duncan did workout at the NFL Combine a month ago, but he also decided to retest a few numbers at his Pro Day. He failed to improve upon his 113 inch broad jump from the event, but did improve slightly on his 5.1 second 40 time from the Combine (according to some scouts standing around me).
- Maryland is an interesting case this draft class, as they have three wide receivers with the potential to get drafted. Rakim Jarrett appears to be a fringe-day two pick on film, while pass catchers Jacob Copeland and Dontay Deamus Jr both have a case to be selected later on day three.
- Rakim Jarrett showcased excellent hands and footwork in field drills on Wednesday. He made a dazzling sideline catch on a comeback route while also snagging a few passes that appeared to be out of reach. For my money, he is a player that could excel in the slot from day one in the league.
- Dontay Deamus Jr is a talented pass catcher that showcased his impressive wingspan on Wednesday. He looked quick in his cuts and made many of his catches look effortless. He has a troubling injury history, but the former three star recruit is just oozing potential.
- Jacob Copeland is the most raw of the three pass catchers, but he is by far the most athletic. He is shifty and fast on the field, he just lacks the refinement needed at this point of his career. He had a few drops in the on-field drills, but I could easily see a team falling in love with his potential.
More Pro Day Journals
- Ohio State: C.J. Stroud Leaves Onlookers Gushing
- Alabama: Bryce Young Shines as NFL Looks On
- Kentucky: Will Levis Wows with His Arm Strength
Learn more about these Maryland players and so much more by pre-ordering the Indy Draft Guide!
The most comprehensive Colts draft coverage you can find anywhere releases April 10th, 2023.
Pre-order now with this special discount code!
Follow Zach on Twitter @ZachHicks2.
