Few players on the Las Vegas Raiders needed a turnaround the way 2023 fourth-round pick and cornerback Jakorian Bennett needed ahead of his second season.
Bennett earned a starting role out of training camp in his rookie year but struggled to the point that he lost the job. Bennett played sporadically from there on out and was a healthy scratch on multiple occasions.
Ultimately, Bennett finished his rookie campaign allowing a 68.4% completion rate and 102.5 quarterback rating when targeted. It's safe to say that expectations were in the toilet for him moving forward.
But the Raiders showed some faith in the Maryland product, as the team didn't make a significant move at the cornerback position in 2024. General manager Tom Telesco didn't spend an early pick on a cornerback, nor did he sign one in free agency.
Entering training camp, Bennett had to compete for a starting job with veteran Brandon Facyson and rookie Decamerion Richardson, and he came out on top.
Now, after four games, the Raiders' faith in Bennett has paid off. The Raiders' No. 2 cornerback has surrendered just six completions on 15 passes thrown his way (40%) and a passer rating of 55.1 when targeted in 135 coverage snaps, according to Pro Football Focus. He also has five pass break-ups.
Among cornerbacks with at least 90 coverage snaps, Bennett ranks 10th in QBR allowed, fifth in completion percentage allowed and tied for third in pass break-ups.
Sure, it's still very early and there's plenty of time for things to go south, but I don't think even the most optimistic Raiders fan could've envisioned the start Bennett has gotten off to.
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