Tag: Jacob Copeland

Dolphins worked out a trio of WRs on Tuesday

Miami held WR workouts on Tuesday.

While the Miami Dolphins are about to begin their week off, that doesn’t mean the front office and coaching staff are slowing down their work.

On Tuesday, the team welcomed in three free agent wide receivers for workouts – Jacob Copeland, Racey McMath and Anthony Schwartz.

Schwartz, 23, was a third-selection of the Cleveland Browns back in 2021 following a collegiate career at Auburn and a high school career at the local American Heritage School. In 25 career games, he’s recorded 14 receptions for 186 yards and a touchdown as well as 96 rushing yards and a score on the ground. He’s also contributed as a kick returner, averaging 21.5 yards per return on 15 attempts.

McMath, 24, was a sixth-round pick by the Tennessee Titans in 2021 out of LSU. He spent two years with the Titans before spending time on the Indianapolis Colts practice squad this year. In 14 career games, he’s recorded four receptions for 48 yards.

Copeland, 24, went undrafted in this year’s draft after splitting time between Florida and Maryland in college. He’s spent time with the Titans, Pittsburgh Steelers and Minnesota Vikings since then, but he’s yet to see the field in a regular-season game.

While Miami didn’t sign any of the three immediately following the workout, they are names to keep an eye on in the future because they could be signed if there’s an injury at the position.

Ex-Titans WR Jacob Copeland signs with Vikings

Former Titans WR Jacob Copeland has landed with the Vikings ahead of the two teams meeting for joint practices this week.

Despite not being drafted, former Tennessee Titans wide receiver Jacob Copeland was one of the most hyped-up rookie additions of the offseason.

Many felt that Copeland had a real chance to make the team, or at the very least, earn himself a spot on the team’s practice squad. Unfortunately for him, Copeland ended up being the odd man out when the Titans needed to make room for offensive lineman Jimmy Murray on the roster.

However, the Maryland product recently earned himself another shot in the NFL, signing a one-year deal with the Minnesota Vikings.

The rookie pass-catcher will now be tasked with trying to prove to his new team that he has the talent and potential to stick around in some capacity beyond the preseason.

Minnesota’s newest wide receiver will also have the chance to prove his old team wrong, as the Titans are set to practice and play a preseason game against the Vikings this week.

Copeland spent time at both Florida and Maryland during his college career, racking up a combined 112 catches, 1,742 receiving yards and 11 touchdowns throughout.

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Former Gators wide receiver signs with new NFL team after getting cut

This former Gator is moving on to Minnesota to join a solid receiver corps.

It has been a rough road to the NFL for former Florida wide receiver [autotag]Jacob Copeland[/autotag], who went unselected in April’s 2023 NFL draft. The prolific pass-catcher did manage to sign on with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent but alas, he was cut from the team last week when his former team made some roster moves.

Fortunately, the Minnesota Vikings liked what they saw from him after trying out with the team, resulting in a contract offer on Monday to play up in the Land of 10,000 Lakes. The rookie joins up with fellow former Gators wideout Brandon Powell along with big names such as Justin Jefferson, Jordan Addison, KJ Osborn, N’Keal Harry in the receiver corps.

Copeland played four years in Gainesville after being recruited by Dan Mullen during his debut season at the helm in 2018. The 6-foot, 202-pound receiver saw improved numbers and playing time during his tenure with the Orange and Blue, but chose to move on to the Maryland Terrapins when Billy Napier’s staff took over for the 2022 campaign.

Overall during his collegiate career stretching across five seasons (one redshirt), Copeland amassed 112 receptions for 1,742 yards (15.6 yards per) along with 11 touchdowns. He also ran the ball nine times for 64 yards giving him 1,806 total yards from scrimmage.

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Vikings sign WR Jacob Copeland, waive WR Cephus Johnson III

The Minnesota Vikings swapped UDFA wide receivers by signing Jacob Copeland and waiving Cephus Johnson III.

The Minnesota Vikings are continuing to look at outside talent to help the team. On Monday morning, they signed rookie free agent wide receiver Jacob Copeland and waived wide receiver Cephus Johnson III.

Copeland spent three seasons with the Florida Gators before transferring to Maryland for the 2022 season. He was never featured to his talent level in college and his numbers speak volumes.

In his college career, he had 112 receptions for 1,742 yards and 11 touchdowns along with nine rushes for 64 yards. He also has the ability to return kicks, having done so 10 times in college.

Johnson struggled all throughout training camp in route running and creating separation. The former SE Louisiana quarterback didn’t look to be an option on special teams either and that’s an issue for a back end of the roster player.

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What draft experts said about Titans UDFA Jacob Copeland in scouting reports

A look at what pre-draft scouting reports said about Titans UDFA and wide receiver, Jacob Copeland.

Former Maryland wide receiver Jacob Copeland was one of the 14 undrafted free agents the Tennessee Titans signed following the 2023 NFL draft, and he made his debut this past weekend at the team’s rookie minicamp.

Assuming he can stick through OTAs and mandatory minicamp, Copeland will have a golden opportunity to crack the Titans’ roster in training camp thanks to wide receiver being the team’s biggest weakness.

So, what does the 5-foot-11, 201-pound wide receiver bring to the table?

Let’s try to get a better idea by taking a look at various scouting reports on Copeland from before the 2023 NFL draft.

Titans ‘met extensively’ with Maryland WR Jacob Copeland

The Titans have “met extensively” with Maryland WR Jacob Copeland.

The Tennessee Titans are doing their homework on wide receivers for the 2023 NFL draft as the team continues to have a dire need at the position following two weeks of free agency where the team has been silent.

According to Pro Football Network’s Tony Pauline, the Titans have “met extensively” with Maryland wide receiver Jacob Copeland.

Receiver Jacob Copeland also sat on his Combine numbers and did position drills. Copeland, who was timed as fast as 4.37 seconds during the 40 in Indianapolis, met extensively with the Titans, a franchise that needs a speed receiver.

Copeland recently took part in the Maryland pro day, where the Titans had special teams coaches in attendance.

The former Gator-turned-Terrapin never posted eye-popping numbers in college but he does bring the element of speed Tennessee is looking for. Here’s more on him, per Lance Zierlein of NFL.com.

Explosive athlete with NFL size and traits but lacking an NFL skill set at the position. Copeland clearly has the athletic profile of an NFL wideout and that will make him worthy of attention. His production has been average, though, and his tape does not always inspire. Copeland is missing the instincts and route acumen to set up his breaks and elude coverage. The physical profile gives him a shot, but he will need to impress in camp to garner a roster opportunity.

Copeland could get drafted in the later rounds after a strong combine, but chances are he’ll be available as an undrafted free agent.

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3 wide receivers to watch for Chiefs at 2023 NFL Scouting Combine

Here are three wide receiver prospects the #Chiefs should be keeping an eye on during on-field drills and testing Saturday.

The 2023 NFL Scouting Combine continues over the weekend with offensive players hitting the field at Lucas Oil Stadium for on-field drills and workouts. You can watch the quarterbacks, wide receivers, and tight ends workout from 3:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m. ET on NFL Network.

The Kansas City Chiefs added a number of young contributors to the team via the draft just a season ago. Several of those players posted impressive performances at the combine. The team will look to follow up its standout 2022 draft class by adding even more instant-impact players in 2023.

Keep an eye on the following three receivers working out on Saturday. A head-turning performance could put any number of the players squarely on the radar for Brett Veach and company.

2023 NFL draft: 4 wide receivers for Chargers to watch at Combine

Here are a few wide receivers expected to test well at the NFL Scouting Combine that the Los Angeles Chargers could target in the draft.

The on-field portion of the NFL Combine begins on Thursday, marking the start of the testing circuit that propels some prospects into the stratosphere while ruining the stock of others. To prepare, we at Chargers Wire are previewing players from every position.

Wide receiver is an obvious need because of the speed needed at the position. DeAndre Carter is a free agent after contributing in a bigger role than initially expected, deep threat Jalen Guyton is returning from a torn ACL, and Keenan Allen’s future with the team remains cloudy beyond 2023, if not this summer.

Chargers 2023 NFL draft target: Maryland WR Jacob Copeland

Putting Maryland WR Jacob Copeland under a microscope to highlight his strengths, weaknesses and fit with the Chargers.

Over the next couple of months, we are going to be taking a look at a handful of draft prospects leading up to the 2023 NFL draft.

With the Chargers having needs at various positions, we will do our best to evaluate the players that we feel fit the team precisely.

Here is a report on a potential target, Maryland wide receiver Jacob Copeland.

Height: 6-0

Weight: 202 pounds

Class: Fifth-year senior

Hometown: Pensacola, FL

Career: Transferred to Maryland after four seasons at Florida. Former four-star wideout and No. 14 rated player in the state of Florida. Collected 112 catches, 1,742 receiving yards, and 11 touchdowns in 40 career games. 

Strengths: Thick, physical football player who isn’t afraid to use his big pads offensively. Experience at all three receiver spots. Dodges press contact with firm arm wipes and subtle dodges. Has demonstrated knowledge of the right releases to use when he predicts the cornerback’s strategy. Sells the vertical route well off the line. Straight-line speed can get behind the secondary quickly. Change of direction skills are impressive for his build. Showcases good positioning working back to the football. Quick transition from catch to ball carrier. Keeps feet moving when hit. Makes tackling a chore for single defenders, usually requiring an assist to bring him down. 

Weaknesses: Lacks the countermeasures to ensnare himself from downfield contact. Difficult to get going in short spaces. YAC production is slim and one-dimensional. Would rather lower his head into contact than try to avoid it. Inconsistent attacking the ball on deep throws.

Final Word: A consistent starter at Florida who fought for targets in a stacked Maryland receiving corps, Jacob Copeland is an intriguing mixture of size and speed whose explosive plays suggest qualities of a dynamic flanker receiver. He already has the body of an NFL wideout, and there are raw traits that can be refined. Copeland is best when he can win the route at the line, but he has a ways to go in creating regular separation when he’s hip-to-hip. 

Fit Likelihood: Medium

Grade: 6-7th round

Film Highlights

ESPN takes a look at how Billy Napier’s rebuilding process is going at Florida

The Gators are slowly rebuilding through recruiting and filling positions of need first.

Recently, ESPN took a look at how new head coaches are choosing to rebuild the programs they take over, and [autotag]Billy Napier[/autotag]’s first go around with the Florida Gators is an easy case study to look at it given the school’s history and membership in the perenially strong Southeastern Conference.

Identifying positions of need is the first step in ESPN’s assessment, and the list is unsurprisingly long. Running back, wide receiver, offensive line, defensive line and linebacker it reads. Only two of those holes (running back and offensive line) would be filled in the first six months of Napier’s tenure, though.

He had just weeks to scramble and piece together a recruiting class that had prospects jumping ship left and right. Napier ultimately snagged five-star safety, [autotag]Kamari Wilson[/autotag], from Georgia’s grasp and also landed four-star linebacker [autotag]Shemar James[/autotag]. Four-star running back [autotag]Trevor Etienne[/autotag] is another nice addition, but the group is still considered weak in a conference that routinely boasts the nation’s top recruiting classes.

New coach Billy Napier has his hands full trying to remake this roster as the previous staff went 6-7 last season with lackluster recruiting over the past few classes. The Gators finished the 2022 recruiting cycle ranked No. 32 overall, last in the SEC.

Napier then turned to the transfer portal, bringing in a trio of offensive players that already know his scheme. [autotag]Montrell Johnson[/autotag], the Sun Belt Conference’s Freshman of the Year, is sure to add to the run game behind four-star Louisiana transfer [autotag]O’Cyrus Torrence[/autotag] and fellow interior offensive lineman [autotag]Kamryn Waites[/autotag].

Still, it’s been hard to fill the holes left in the receiving core by [autotag]Jacob Copeland[/autotag] (Maryland) and [autotag]Kemore Gamble[/autotag] (UCF). The transfer portal, in general, has hurt more than it’s helped this offseason. Sure, guys like [autotag]Ricky Pearsall[/autotag] and [autotag]Jalen Kimber[/autotag] have a chance to make an impact early, but it doesn’t replace the departing starting talent. Not to mention those who have graduated or turned pro.

The coaches lost quite a bit to the portal and weren’t able to fill every hole… Defensive linemen [autotag]Zachary Carter[/autotag], [autotag]Antonio Valentino[/autotag] and [autotag]Daquan Newkirk[/autotag] are all gone as well, so the defensive staff has some work to do in the front seven to replace the production they had from last season.

It’s not the total overhaul some programs have seen, such as LSU or Oklahoma. In fact, Napier is taking a fairly traditional approach to rebuilding the Gators considering the modern game’s transfer rules. Landing a strong recruiting class in 2023 seems to be the path he’s headed down, but there are questions about whether or not Florida can keep up in the NIL space with some of the nation’s top programs.

As ESPN suggests, there’s still plenty of work to do for Florida to be “rebuilt,” but Napier is addressing the issues one by one. That attentiveness is what got him the gig, and he’s been successful in the past.