Our rookie scouting reports combine film and analytics to provide the best possible predictions for player performance. With the 2023 NFL Draft inching closer, let’s take a look at the scouting report for Maryland WR Jacob Copeland.
Jacob Copeland NFL Draft Profile
- Position: Wide Receiver
- School: Maryland
- Year: Redshirt Senior
Copeland was a four-star recruit out of Escambia High School in Pensacola, Florida. He was a highly sought-after prospect, garnering a plethora of offers from Power Five programs, some as early as 2015. After committing and then decommitting to Florida, Copeland wound up re-committing with the Gators to play his college football.
As a freshman, Copeland barely saw the field. He appeared in just three games, recording only a single reception for 16 yards. His minimal action qualified him for redshirt status.
As a sophomore, Copeland played in all 13 games. He only recorded stats in nine of them, though, totaling 21 receptions for 273 yards and two touchdowns.
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His junior year in 2020 was more of the same. He caught just two more passes, but was far more efficient, amassing 435 yards and three touchdowns.
As a senior in 2021, Copeland again played 13 games, catching 41 passes for 642 yards and four touchdowns. It was his best season yet.
Copeland taking a step forward as a senior seemed like a good spot to end his college career and advance to the next level. But after graduating from Florida, he chose to transfer to Maryland and play one more season.
In his redshirt-senior year, Copeland caught 26 passes for 376 yards and two touchdowns. It was quite the step down in production, which is concerning given it also involved him leaving the SEC. Overall, Copeland finished his college career with 112 receptions for 1,742 yards and 11 touchdowns.
Tony Pauline’s Scouting Report for Jacob Copeland
Strengths: Reliable wideout with next-level size and speed. Quickly releases off the line of scrimmage, effectively uses his hands to separate from defenders, and comes back to the ball to make himself an available target. Tracks the pass in the air, gets vertical, and uses his frame to shield away defenders. Nicely adjusts to the errant throw, gets down to scoop up low passes, and competes to come away with the difficult grab.
Quickly gets into breaks, runs sharp routes, and displays solid eye/hand coordination. Extends his hands to offer the QB a target and snatches the ball away from his frame. Plays heads-up football and effectively follows the quarterback across the field.
Weaknesses: Occasionally lets the pass get inside him. Really doesn’t play to his speed. Posted marginal production throughout his college career.
Overall: Copeland was a consistent receiver at Maryland and comes with upside. He must start to play to his measurables, but he has enough ability to develop into a fifth wideout on Sundays.
Jacob Copeland Combine Measurements and Results
- Height: 5’11 1/8″
- Weight: 201 pounds
- Arm Size: 31 5/8″
- Hand Size: 8 5/4″
- Bench Press: 20
- 40-Yard Dash: 4.42 seconds
Maryland WR Jacob Copeland Current Draft Projection
On Tony Pauline’s Big Board, Copeland ranked 172nd overall and is projected to go in the fifth round. With a 3.42 grade, he’s Pauline’s WR23 in the class.
The best wide receiver prospects are early declares. After that, we want four-year players that were highly productive. Unfortunately, Copeland checks neither box.
Copeland not only spent five years at college, but he never really had a breakout season. What he does have going for him is his speed. Copeland lacks burst and agility, but he can fly. That at least gives NFL teams something to work with. At minimum, Copeland could carve out a specialist role as a burner.
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With that said, college production is the most predictive indicator of NFL success. Copeland spent four years at Florida and wasn’t particularly productive. He then transferred to a school in a weaker division and produced even less.
Fortunately, Copeland has special-teams experience. He’s more of an athlete than a wide receiver, but he has skills that NFL teams look for, especially on special teams.
Special-teams experience goes a long way toward earning a spot on an NFL roster. Copeland’s fifth-round projection speaks to this because his body of work suggests he should go undrafted. It’s always a challenge for Day 3 picks, but Copeland’s raw athleticism and special-teams acumen should enable him to make an NFL roster.