Jakorian Bennett revelation makes Raiders breakout star's 2024 season even more impressive | Sporting News

The 2024 season did not go the way the Las Vegas Raiders wanted it to go.

The team finished with a 4-13 record and ended up replacing its general manager and coaching staff.

Much of the team's 2024 struggles can be attributed to poor quarterback play and an inconsistent defense.

Neither Gardner Minshew nor Aidan O'Connell did enough at quarterback, and the team had the league's least efficient run game, as well.

While there were plenty of negatives last year, one positive was cornerback Jakorian Bennett.

The Raiders had a thin cornerbacks room entering the season, but Bennett's play alleviated some concerns about the unit.

The Maryland product racked up 26 tackles and eight pass deflections in 10 games, and he posted career-best coverage numbers with a completion rate allowed of 52.3% and a passer rating of 67.7.

Unfortunately, Bennett's breakout season after a dreadful rookie campaign ended early, as he had to go under the knife for a shoulder injury.

On Wednesday, Bennett revealed that the injury was actually a season-long issue.

The corner stated that he dealt with a torn labrum all during the 2024 season but played through it as long as possible.

"During games, my shoulder would pop out," explained Bennett , per Levi Edwards of Raiders.com.

"Last season, my shoulder popped out probably five times because I had a torn labrum, a lot of people probably don't know that." Bennett also said that the labrum is in good shape now, though, and it will be the first time since college that he's "had both shoulders." Bennett playing through such a significant injury only makes his 2024 showing more impressive.

Pro Football Focus gave the corner credit for seven pass breakups, which ranked 22 out of 222 qualified corners.

That stat is even more impressive when you realize Bennett missed seven games.

The Raiders will need Bennett to continue that impressive play in 2025.

As of now, Bennett is penciled in as a starter alongside Eric Stokes and Darnay Holmes.

This isn't the deepest secondary, so Bennett is a crucial component.

Bennett was originally drafted by the Raiders in the fourth round of the 2023 NFL Draft out of Maryland.

So far, Bennett has played in 24 games with 11 starts in two NFL seasons.

The corner has collected 58 tackles and 11 pass deflections so far.

With an improved cast around him, Bennett could take another leap forward in 2025 and give the Raiders a true No.

1 corner the team has been sorely missing..

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