trey benson

After just 6 carries in two seasons at Oregon, Trey Benson transferred to Florida State University where he immediately broke out with two straight 1000-yard from scrimmage seasons. He totaled 2267 yards and 24 touchdowns while averaging 6.4 and 5.8 yards per carry across those two seasons. 

Benson is a guy who can do a bit of everything. He is a bigger back yet I'd expect him to run in the high 4.3 range at the combine in a couple of weeks (I would expect his draft stock to rise with that as well). I liked what he showed in terms of contact balance. He looks springy.

In the passing game, he has natural hands and FSU readily lined him up outside or in the slot. He only ever runs a couple different routes but he could be a viable piece in an NFL passing attack, even if only as a checkdown option. He transitions from catcher to runner smoothly. I don't think he was an exceptional pass protector, but he generally was where he needed to be as far as I could tell. He does seem to be a willing blocker.

I compare Benson and Corum as two of the best runners in this class. While Benson is faster and adds more as a receiver, he doesn't have the lateral quickness and vision that Corum has. Benson seems to have a little wasted movement in his game as if he hesitates for just a split second at times. I did see Benson manipulate linebacker leverage, which is good to see, but he doesn't find lanes as naturally as Corum does. 

Overall, I like the athleticism and versatility. Behind a good line, I don't see any reason why he can't put up fringe all-pro-level statistical seasons. I don't think he has any singularly exceptional traits other than maybe his speed but I do think he is a well-rounded player who would be a good fit for most franchises.

6.42  • late 2nd / early 3rd round