Not much was made of the Las Vegas Raiders selecting Jakorian Bennett in the fourth-round of the 2023 NFL Draft. Two years later, fans wait in excitement to see how the Maryland alum progresses under the guidance of Pete Carroll.
For the most part, the NFL-world knew Jakorian Bennett was loaded with potential coming out of college. However, it was no secret that there was a long way to go in terms of refining skill. Bennett’s rookie season largely proved this true; the 5-foot-11 cornerback had a couple of decent moments during his first year in the National Football League, but for the most part, he left a lot to be desired.
Despite his rookie season struggles, opportunity came knocking for Bennett in 2024 as he earned the chance to start opposite of Jack Jones. And boy, did the 24-year-old take advantage of this opportunity.
While an injury ended up limiting his sophomore campaign, the progress he made was palpable. The second-year Raider looked significantly better, becoming one of the best defenders on the team before going down with an injury.
Let’s take a look at at Bennett’s ’24 campaign, highlighting the top moments and noting what the expectations for him will look like going forward.
Las Vegas Raiders Player Review: Jakorian Bennett
Top moments from Jakorian Bennett
One of Bennett’s best performances of the year came in Week 2, when the Raiders got their shocking upset win over the Baltimore Ravens. The potential-loaded cornerback recorded two tackles and two passes defended throughout the contest with one of those knockdowns leading to an interception from Robert Spillane.
That interception helped turn the momentum in the Raiders’ favor.
This rep from Jakorian Bennett is even better than what the broadcast angle showed
Communicates the switch with Jones, picks up his new man, drives on the route & gets the PBU to set up Spillane's pick
Well done JB, well done ? pic.twitter.com/dRMAWSN2M8
— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 16, 2024
Bennett didn’t record any turnovers himself last year, but there was incredible improvement nonetheless. These improvements shined the brightest in coverage, although it’s more than fair to say there were improvements across the board.
This rep is a good example. Bennett gets neither an interception nor pass breakup credit, but this is a beautiful textbook play from the former fourth-rounder.
Raiders need to keep Jakorian Bennett in press coverage. Great job squeezing the WR to the sideline here pic.twitter.com/MX3VnwJeUU
— Matt Holder (@MHolder95) September 16, 2024
Looking at basic stats, Bennett was able to break up eight passes despite only appearing in 10 contests, upping his total from the three he had through 17 contests during his rookie campaign.
However, Bennett is still looking for his first career interception as he heads into his third year.
Looking at more advanced stats, those improvements show themselves even more. In 2024, Bennett allowed a 52.3-percent completion rate and a 67.7 passer rating when targeted. That’s significantly better than 2023, when those marks were 68.4-percent and 102.5 respectively.
Into the Pete Carroll era: What does Bennett’s future look like?
The Raiders have no shortage of defenders that the team may struggle to keep around. Bennett won’t be one of them. He’s still got two years remaining on his rookie contract, and will become a free agent after the 2026 season.
Las Vegas won’t be losing him anytime soon.
Given his vast improvement in year two, Bennett could become an extension candidate soon. Of course, Sin City’s new general manager John Spytek would want to see him perform well again in 2025 before doing so.
Bennett will likely start in 2025, and if he picks up where he left off in 2024, he could very well earn that extension around this time next year. For now, Bennett figures to be one of the better building blocks on the unit as Pete Carroll and Spytek continue building the Raiders in their vision.
*Top Photo: Reggie Hildred/ Imagn Images
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