Rakim Jarrett, WR, Maryland: 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Rakim Jarrett hopes to follow in the footsteps of his idols, Stefon Diggs and DJ Moore, as the next great wide receiver from Maryland. How high should he go in the 2023 NFL Draft?

Name: Rakim Jarrett

School: Maryland

Position: Wide Receiver

Age: 22 (Jan. 24, 2001)

Height: 6-foot-flat*

Weight: 190 pounds*

(*unofficial)

Rakim Jarrett 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report

Background

Rakim Jarrett grew up in Palmer Park, Maryland, and attended St-Johns College during his high school days. He grew up a diehard Maryland Terrapins fan, idolizing Stefon Diggs and DJ Moore.

After an impressive amateur career, Jarrett earned a five-star rating as a recruit, fielding offers from Alabama, LSU, and Tennessee, among others. The Gatorade Player of the Year was highly sought after and initially committed to LSU.

Following some heart-to-heart conversations, Jarrett decided against a move to Baton Rouge, instead staying home and committing to his dream school — the Maryland Terrapins. He took little time getting acquainted with the offense, scoring two touchdowns in only four games during the COVID-shortened 2020 season.

In 2021, Jarrett broke out as a core member of the passing game. He recorded a team-high in receptions (62) and receiving yards (829). The versatile wideout also served as the return man in special teams to moderate success.

His final season in College Park was a disappointment across the board. The offense was more balanced and resulted in fewer looks for receivers on the outside. He still ranked second on the team in receptions (40), but it was not the stamp to his career that Jarrett envisioned.

Still, the talent that Jarrett put on tape is enough to project what he could be in the NFL. Where should the Maryland star come off the board in the 2023 NFL Draft? This detailed scouting report has the answer!

Strengths

•YAC Superstar – The best trait in Rakim Jarrett’s game is his ability to create after the catch. In the modern NFL, most offenses need a game-breaker, and Jarrett can be that. He is twitchy and as shifty as they come, regularly making oncoming tacklers look silly.

•Versatility – Jarrett lacks the prototypical size for an NFL receiver — and projects best from the slot — but he has the versatility to line up outside the numbers on occasion. Furthermore, the Maryland wideout profiles as an above-average returner on special teams.

•Body Control – Jarrett possesses exceptional body control when working downfield. He has a knack for getting his toes down when traversing the sideline and contorts his body in astonishing ways as he re-adjusts to make a play on the football.

•Energetic/Spark Plug – Jarrett consistently provided a spark to the Maryland offense during his collegiate career. Whenever the Terrapins needed a big play, they always looked to Jarrett to supply it. From deep passes to quick hitters, getting the ball in his hands typically turns out well for the offense.

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•High IQ/Zone Eater – Jarrett is more than just a physical threat. He is savvy and shows the ability to eat up zone coverage. Jarrett displays a high football IQ that helps him get open against a variety of coverages.

•Separation from Slot – While his separation can be inconsistent on the boundary, Jarrett was open more often than not from the slot. Playing inside allows the smaller receiver to avoid getting jammed by physical cornerbacks and helps him to run past bigger defenders. A creative NFL play caller will know how to deploy Jarrett.

Weaknesses

•Limited Catch Radius – Jarrett has zero control over his size, but it does bring a valid concern. While he is bulky, his arms are short, and it limits Jarrett’s ability to haul in passes downfield. He has plenty of spectacular catches on tape, but questions regarding his catch radius will follow him to the league.

•Quicker Than He is Fast – Jarrett is a superb athlete but is better described as quick rather than fast. It takes a little bit to reach his top speed, and by then, the timing of the play can be knocked off course. Jarrett will outrun some folks at the NFL level, but he won’t be leaving the faster cornerbacks in his dust.

•Wasted Motion as Route Runner – Jarrett does well enough as a route runner, but a glaring issue is present. The 2023 NFL Draft hopeful is not always the most efficient when working his routes. Jarrett’s footwork becomes choppy and results in rounded-off routes rather than crisp breaks.

•Focus Drops – Drops are the No. 1 thing that gets a rookie sent to the dog house. Jarrett boasts strong hands and can snatch the ball out of the air. However, there are instances on tape where Jarrett simply takes his eye off the football before securing it. As great as he is with the ball in his hands, it won’t matter if he fails to secure the passes.

2023 NFL Draft Grade

•Late Day 2 (Round 3)

Rakim Jarrett is an explosive receiver who thrives with the ball in his hands. He follows a long line of successful NFL receivers from the Maryland program. DJ Moore was a first-rounder in 2018, and Stefon Diggs went in round five in 2015. Jarrett splits the difference on my Big Board and should go somewhere in round three of the 2023 NFL Draft.

Games Evaluated: 10