As the NFL season winds down, FantasyPros will be taking a look at early NFL draft scouting reports before the combine in March. Here’s a look at Rakim Jarrett.
Check out all of our 2023 NFL Draft Scouting Reports & Prospect Profiles 
2023 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Rakim Jarrett (WR – Maryland)
6’0″ – 190 lbs.
Background:
Maryland native who started all four games he appeared in as a freshman, catching 17-252-2 (14.8) before breaking out to the tune of 62-829-5 (13.4) as a sophomore. Didn’t have quite the junior year he was anticipating, being slowed by a lower-leg injury, finishing with 40-471-3 (11.8).
Positives:
Has been at least somewhat productive each year at the college level. Has adequate size and a muscular build. Was used all over the place on offense; lines up both outside and in the slot, comes in motion, etc. The team made a priority of getting him the ball, designing screens, pop passes, and other such plays to give him an opportunity to work. Functioned as a deep threat on both inside and outside releases. Gets even with defenders off the snap and has some snap to his routes, getting through the stem without gearing down too much. Physical, tough player who’s willing to work over the middle of the field and absorb contact. Has a pretty strong pair of hands. Excellent body control and flexibility to adjust to throws away from his frame. Nice awareness near the sidelines. Is capable of climbing the ladder and coming down with high throws. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder. Can punish defenders after the catch and run through some arm tackles. Flashes some physicality as a blocker.
Negatives:
Arm measurements will be interesting. Overall speed is solid but may not be a true deep threat at the pro level. A little bit on the stiff side compared to some of the other top receivers in the class. Would like to see him simplify some of his releases a little bit to get off the line with less window-dressing. Could make a more consistent effort to engage when stalking. Leg injury this past season will require further medical evaluation, and physicality after contact could create durability concerns.
Summary:
A very tough, competitive receiver who was able to do a little bit of everything in school, running a variety of different routes to different levels of the field, lining up in the slot and outside and often bailing out his quarterback with incredible adjustments to throws well away from his frame. Didn’t really have the season he was hoping for this year and may not be the fastest or most flexible receiver in the class, but his overall versatility could allow him to contribute relatively soon at the pro level and could provide a nice safety blanket for a quarterback whose ball placement leaves something to be desired.
Projection: Round 3
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