Gridiron Heroics partners with Draft Scout to give each school’s Top 5 NFL Draft prospects in the Big Ten. Welcome to a list of the Maryland Top 5 NFL Draft prospects for 2023, as seen by Draft Scout.
Each week brings us closer and closer to one of the most anticipated days on the sports calendar — the NFL Draft. This year’s draft will be held in Kansas City, Mo. from April 27-29. Starting today? We take a look at the Big Ten seniors, the class of 2023. Since we don’t know yet which underclassmen will declare? We’ll reconfigure the rankings when that happens, so be sure to revisit us.
Our Big Ten Draft prospect series will run beginning Nov. 14 and will run for the next week, with three schools running per day in alphabetical order. A master conference list of the Big Ten’s Top 20 NFL draft prospects will wrap things up on Monday, Nov. 21. Please check the team links below frequently so you can check out the other schools’ top prospects as the week progresses.
BIG TEN TOP 20 PROSPECTS: Overall Big Ten Top Prospect List
BIG TEN EAST PROSPECTS: Indiana | Maryland | Michigan | Michigan State | Ohio State | Penn State | Rutgers
BIG TEN WEST PROSPECTS: Illinois | Iowa | Minnesota| Nebraska | Northwestern| Purdue| Wisconsin
RELATED STORY: The Top ESPN 30 for 30 Shows in College Football — We Rank Them
So, we all know that not every team in the country has five surefire draft picks on it. Some programs do, especially in some of the more elite conferences, but the vast majority don’t have that many top-flight prospects. But, we also know that the definition “top-flight” doesn’t always pan out, and at the same time that strong undrafted free agent everybody forgot? He ends up making an NFL roster and flourishing.
Below is a look at the Maryland Top 5 Draft Prospects, and how they project in the eyes of Draft Scout. Again, for now, we’ll go strictly with seniors (c/o 2023), as no underclassmen have been allowed to declare earlier yet, though when they do? We’ll update the lists below.
MARYLAND TOP 5 NFL DRAFT PROSPECTS
NO. 1 PROSPECT
NAME: Jaelyn Duncan (OT)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 1st round
CAREER STATISTICS: Since his redshirt freshman season, Duncan has seen action in every game for the Terps, mostly at left tackle. His first season starting wasn’t pretty as he gave up 29 QB hurries, eight QB hits, and seven sacks, but he’s been improving each season since.
THE TRUTH: Duncan is a behemoth of a man at 6’6, 320 who dominates at the point of contact. He’s a mauler in the run game who uses heavy hands and a large frame to generate movement, while also being able to handle himself at the second level. In the pass game, he has a habit of getting a bit too high and can get lazy in his footwork, but his punch and athleticism make up for these weaknesses. He’s seen as a top five senior OT by majority of teams.
NO. 2 PROSPECT
NAME: Dontay Demus Jr. (WR)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 2nd-3rd round
CAREER STATISTICS: Demus Jr. has been incredibly productive during his time at Maryland, currently being tied with former Terp Stefon Diggs at 14 career touchdowns. His best statistical season came in 2019 where he recorded 41 catches for 625 yards and six touchdowns. Then, in a COVID-shortened 2020 season, he was even more efficient, catching 24 passes for 365 yards and four touchdowns in just five games. 2021 unfortunately saw him play just five games after suffering an ACL injury, but still, he was able to increase his receptions to 28 and his yards to 507. 2022 has been a step backwards for him, but his career production has been beyond impressive.
THE TRUTH: At 6’3, 215, Demus Jr. is a large receiver, and he plays to that strength. He’s made a name for himself as a jump ball specialist, showing a knack for high pointing balls with well-timed jumps and strong hands. He’s not the fastest guy in the world, but his straight-line speed is great for someone his size, making him a viable option on go routes. Demus Jr. doesn’t have many real weaknesses–his route running is serviceable and he’s elite at playing the ball–but the one issue for scouts is his production post-injury. Since coming back in 2022 following his ACL injury, he hasn’t looked quite as sharp as he did in years prior, and it shows in the stat sheet. He’s a great outside receiver with an incredibly high ceiling, but his draft stock rests on his recovery.
NO. 3 PROSPECT
NAME: Jacob Copeland (WR)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 6th-7th round
CAREER STATISTICS: Copeland transferred to Maryland from Florida after the 2021 season, bringing a strong resumé with him. During his final season with the Gators, he caught 39 passes for 607 yards, four touchdowns, and a 15.6-yard average. However, this production hasn’t fully translated during his first season with the Terps, as he currently has just 22 catches for 331 yards and two touchdowns. He’s listed as a redshirt junior by the team, meaning he could potentially return for another season.
THE TRUTH: Copeland brings a different aspect to the Maryland offense than Demus Jr., as he fits in more as the run-after-catch threat. Really, that’s what separates Copeland from many other prospects: playmaking ability. He has strong hands and is at his best in space, although his ability to create separation leaves something to be desired. He also isn’t a threat to win jump balls or to beat defenses over the top, leaving him fairly limited to underneath routes and screens. Copeland isn’t likely to make a massive impact as a pass catcher in the NFL but has potential to fit in as a returner or a gadget player in a crafty offense.
NO. 4 PROSPECT
NAME: Jakorian Bennett (CB)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: 7th round-HPFA (High Priority Free Agent)
CAREER STATISTICS: Bennett took the road less travelled to begin his college career, playing two years at a community college before making the jump to FBS. However, he has not disappointed, playing in all but two games since 2020 and leading the nation is pass breakups since 2021 with 26. In two full seasons with the Terps, he has totaled 60 tackles, 22 passes defensed, and four interceptions.
THE TRUTH: At 5’10, 195, Bennett is fairly undersized, which doesn’t help his cause for the NFL Draft. However, what sets him apart above everything is his rare athletic ability. In short, Bennett runs faster and jumps higher than majority of other players in the nation, giving him a toolset that cannot be trained. This athleticism allows him to stick with receivers and break on the ball like few others, the reason for his great statistical output. However, he is fairly unrefined in his technique, often showing sloppy footwork and bad change of direction. To play on Sunday’s, he will have to become more technically sound. However, with the intangibles he possesses, he’s a riser on draft boards, and should have a coach willing to take a chance on him come day three of the draft.
NO. 5 PROSPECT
NAME: Spencer Anderson (OG)
DRAFTSCOUT PROJECTION: HPFA
CAREER STATISTICS: Anderson has been a consistent starter for the Terps since his redshirt freshman season, playing all positions across the line.
THE TRUTH: Anderson is 6’5, 320 pounds, another massive offensive lineman for Maryland. However, he’s listed as a guard by Draft Scout, perhaps suggesting that he doesn’t have the feet or athleticism to stick at tackle despite having tackle size. Still, he’s been a consistent starter for Maryland and has position versatility that could pique the interest of an offensive line coach. Not much draft hype for Anderson, but the size and versatility make him an intriguing post-draft target.
For More Great Football Content
Follow us on Twitter at @GridironHeroics for more great content. We appreciate you taking time to read our articles. To interact more with our community and keep up to date on the latest in Football news, JOIN OUR FREE FACEBOOK GROUP by CLICKING HERE
