Trey Benson
Height 6’1
Weight 216
40 time 4.39
Vertical jump 33.5”
Broad Jump 10’2”
Trey Benson is a bruising back from Florida State University that figures to be one of the top runners taken in the 2024 NFL Draft. Benson started his career at Oregon, and played parts of the 2021 season before suffering a knee injury and subsequently transferring to FSU. He was high on my list to begin with, but an electric combine has boosted his draft stock. Benson is my RB1 heading into the NFL Draft and could be a day one starter, depending on his landing spot.
Vision: In almost every run I watched, Benson weaved in and out of linemen and defenses. Trey Benson doesn't look for the easy way on most of his runs, almost inviting contact as he goes. He’s very hard to bring down, as he’s gained 3.97 yards after contact per PFF. Benson churned out a strong 6.1 yards per carry during his collegiate career. He has solid patience to let his blockers block when needed or hit the hole and blow past would-be defenders.
Catching: By looking at the stats, you wouldn’t think Benson was relied on in the passing game or was targeted much out of the backfield. However, he returned kicks at FSU, which gives credence to his ability to catch and his vision of the open field. His last two seasons only added up to 23/371/1 but the concentration and yards after the catch are there, should he be utilized in that way.
Strengths: Benson can bounce it to the outside like you wouldn’t believe. Once he’s on the edge, he's gone with a burst you may not expect from a 215 lbs runner. . His footwork along the sidelines was remarkable. It felt as if I was watching highlights of a wide receiver.
Weakness: I hate to nitpick because he’s such an exciting talent. I didn't see him pass block much, so if there's anything that “might” hinder him, his third-down protection may keep him off the field for some passing down work. Most collegiate backs need work in picking up NFL blitz packages andformations and until Benson can lock this down, he may be coming off the field in these critical situations.
Lazy Comparison: Nick Chubb. Benson may even be faster than Chubb when it comes to bouncing outside and accelerating past surprised safeties and corners. Benson pounds the rock like each carry could be his last.
Summary. Benson is an electric talent that may be being slept on by some scouts and analysts thus far. His strength and effort are remarkable, and he’s one of the most complete prospects in the 2024 crop. Running Backs have not been drafted as high in the NFL draft in years
past, so Benson could very well land on a contender immediately. Should Benson land in Baltimore, Dallas or Cleveland? He could be a fringe third to fourth round pick in fantasy drafts in August.
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