The Tennessee Titans signed several undrafted free agents at the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft. Former Maryland wide receiver Jacob Copeland is one of those players. A former Florida standout, Copeland actually led the Gators in receiving yards (642) in 2021. Copeland transferred to Maryland in 2022, totaling 26 receptions for 376 receiving yards and two touchdowns.
Copeland recently spoke exclusively with Broadway Sports. Copeland discussed how he formed a relationship with the Titans throughout the pre-draft process, his overall skill set as a pass catcher, what his goals and aspirations are ahead of training camp, and so much more. Copeland brings speed in bunches to Tennessee.
JM: You led Florida in receiving yards (642) in 2021 before transferring to Maryland ahead of the 2022 campaign. How do you look back on that decision?
Jacob Copeland: It’s all a part of the journey. It’s all a part of the story. I don’t regret any of the moments. I’m just keeping my head down and going to work. Overall, I felt things could have gone better for me in 2022. It just didn’t play out the way I envisioned it would.
Like I said, it’s all part of the story. I’m thankful for everything I’ve been through, and everything I’ll go through in the future. I don’t take anything personally.
JM: You signed with the Titans as an undrafted free agent at the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft. How did the opportunity with the Titans come about?
Jacob Copeland: Coach Mike Vrabel called me during the first day of the draft. We were in constant contact ever since, all throughout the three days of the draft. I appreciated his honesty. He told me a great football player is a great football player no matter what.
Vrabel told me it’s not about how you get there. It’s about what you do once you get into the league. I plan on taking full advantage of this opportunity. I appreciated that he kept up his contact with me through the three days of the draft. I felt like he showed genuine interest.
I felt wanted. Either way it went, whether I was drafted or not, I felt like the Titans pursued me the most. That’s why I picked the Titans.
JM: Was coach Vrabel the one you were in most contact with throughout the process?
Jacob Copeland: I spoke with Vrabel throughout the NFL draft. I had been in contact with different members of the Titans throughout the entire process though. Vrabel was probably the one I communicated with the most during the draft.
JM: The Titans met with you at Maryland’s Pro Day. Did you always feel they were the most interested?
Jacob Copeland: I did, yes. They were definitely one of the teams that showed the most interest throughout the NFL Scouting Combine and my Pro Day. The Titans were always at the forefront of my entire pre-draft process.
I felt good about them [the Titans]. I felt better about the Titans than I did anybody else I was speaking with.
JM: I imagine you had other offers and opportunities in undrafted free agency.
Jacob Copeland: Yeah, the amount of interest they [Titans] showed was the deciding factor for me. I figured Tennessee would give me the best opportunity to do what I do best. It played out how it played out. There were other teams that came to the table with offers in undrafted free agency, but I liked Tennessee the best.
JM: Does Jacob Copeland have a favorite route to run?
Jacob Copeland: I love a good comeback route. I’m a dominant receiver when it comes to that comeback route. Every team I played for, every teammate I’ve ever had, they always tell me I run an excellent comeback route.
I know that I’m going to win on that comeback. I can run it all day.
JM: You offer speed in bunches. You ran a 4.42 at the NFL Scouting Combine and some scouts in attendance had you at 4.37. Analysis indicates the Titans could use some speed at receiver.
Jacob Copeland: Speed was mentioned, but that wasn’t all that was brought up. We discussed my versatility on special teams as well. Not every receiver has that dual-threat ability to contribute on special teams, but I do. A lot of receivers aren’t even willing to play special teams. I’m one of those guys that can play special teams. I’m willing to do whatever it takes to help the team.
I’m going to keep my head down and go to work.
JM: You returned kicks at Maryland. You returned eight kicks for 128 yards in 2022.
Jacob Copeland: I’ve always loved returning kicks. I’ve been doing it since Pop Warner all the way through college. I’ve enjoyed [returning kicks] every step of the way. I can see the entire field while returning kicks on special teams. I have great vision with the ball in my hands.
I also played running back in high school. I have a different kind of vision with the ball in my hands. It all came together for me. I fell in love with returning kicks. I can see the entire field. I envision making plays before the ball is even kicked off.
JM: I’ve really appreciated your time today. In closing, what are your goals and aspirations like over these next few months as you attempt to make Tennessee’s roster?
Jacob Copeland: There were 32 receivers drafted in the 2023 NFL Draft. I’ll never forget that. I wrote down the name of each receiver that went in each round. I’m forever going to have that instilled in my head as I get ready to work.
Interview was conducted at the conclusion of the 2023 NFL Draft and edited for clarity.
