Tag: Trey Benson

POLL: Grade the Cardinals’ selection of RB Trey Benson in Round 3

Benson was drafted 66th overall. Do you like the pick? Grade it in the poll.

On Friday, the Arizona Cardinals’ first selection in the third round was running back Trey Benson, who played collegiately at Florida State and at Oregon.

He was the 66th pick in the draft.

He was only the second running back taken in the draft.

He never had a 1,000-yard season but surpassed 900 each of the last two years in Tallahassee, averaging 6.1 yards per carry and scoring 24 touchdowns.

He is big at 6 feet tall and 216 pounds. He is fast.

What do you think of the pick?

Grade it in the poll linked here and embedded below.

You can see the live results linked here.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

 

Cardinals take RB Trey Benson in Round 3

Trey Benson is the Cardinals first selection in the third round.

The Arizona Cardinals have added some offensive help to the backfield. With the first of four scheduled picks in the third round, the Cardinals selected Florida State running back Trey Benson with the 66th overall pick.

Benson is a 6-foot, 216-pounder with speed. He ran the 40 in 4.39 seconds at the NFL combine. He will turn 22 years old in July.

He spent two seasons at Oregon before transferring to Florida State. In two seasons for the Seminoles, he averaged 6.1 yards per carry and scored 23 touchdowns rushing for 990 and 906 yards, respectively.

He joins a running back room with James Conner, Michael Carter, DeeJay Dallas and Emari Demercado.

He did not have a heavy workload in college. He finished with only 343 touches over two seasons in Tallahassee.

Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Spotify.

 

When do the RBs and LBs start getting drafted on Day 2?

When do the RBs and LBs start getting drafted on Day 2 after no prospects from either position were selected in the first round?

The first round of the 2024 NFL draft saw six quarterbacks and nine offensive linemen selected, both records for any individual draft. The overload at those positions led to some other positions being overlooked on Day 1.

Namely, running back and linebacker.

There wasn’t a single running back selected in the first 32 picks, nor did any linebackers come off the board. That figures to change on Day 2, but how quickly?

It might take several picks before the first linebacker hears his name called. Whether it’s Edgerrin Cooper from Texas A&M, Payton Wilson of North Carolina State or Michigan’s Junior Colson, the first off-ball LB likely won’t be among the first handful of picks. The shift to a base nickel defense package removed one starting LB spot from most every team, and a recent supply of good draft classes at linebacker has also diminished demand in 2024.

Prediction for LBs

Cooper or Wilson gets the nod in the 40-45 overall range, and then the top grouping will all come off over the span of the next 20 or so picks. That group also includes North Carolina’s Cedric Gray.

There is a separate problem at running back. Several prospects at the position are generally lumped together in the rankings and big boards. Jonathon Brooks from Texas might be No. 1 for one team but sixth on another. The same is true for Trey Benson from Florida State and Jaylen Wright from Tennessee.

That sort of “dealer’s choice” at a well-stocked supply of prospects could mean teams opt to pull the trigger and land their guy. But because of the relative depth of the class, a team that might need another position just a little more might look at (perceived) Day 3 options like Isaac Guerendo from Louisville, Dylan Laube of New Hampshire or Marshall’s Rasheen Ali and not find as much of a dropoff as they would at other positions from Day 2 to Day 3.

Prediction for RBs

Brooks and Benson each come off the board in the 50s, and then there’s a gap into the later realms of the third round. And then we’ll see a relative deluge of RBs in the fourth and fifth rounds as teams work their way down “need” lists to a deep running back class.

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Here’s why NFL Draft prospect Ray Davis deserve more acclaim

Amongst various talent in 2024 NFL Draft class, running back Ray Davis from the University of Kentucky definitely deserves more acclaim.

With all the talk about the superstar talent in the 2024 NFL Draft class, running back Ray Davis from the University of Kentucky definitely deserves more acclaim.

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After five seasons in the NCAA, Davis opted out of what would’ve been his final Bowl game with the Wildcats, and declared for the NFL Draft. Davis produced 21 total touchdowns last season, 14 rushing, and seven receiving. More impressively, Davis rushed for 1,129 yards on 199 carries in arguably the toughest NCAA division in football, the SEC. 

Nimble, swift, and stocky, Davis would be ideal for NFL teams looking for a feature back on passing downs. With a 40-yard dash time of 4.5, Davis isn’t the fastest on the field, but his consistency as both a pass-blocker and pass-catcher do more than make him serviceable. Davis produced a season high 280 rushing yards versus the Florida Gators on Sep. 9, the only game last season where he featured a volume higher than 22 carries.

Davis passes the eye-test and was ranked at No. 6 on PFF’s best running backs in the 2024 NFL Draft class list. Hopefully, NFL scouts find a place for Davis, even if they aren’t sold on him in the Draft.  

Unpacking Future Packers: No. 13, Florida State RB Trey Benson

Up next in the Unpacking Future Packers draft preview series is Florida State running back Trey Benson.

The Unpacking Future Packers Countdown is a countdown of 100 prospects that could be selected by the Green Bay Packers in the 2024 NFL draft.

The Green Bay Packers just gave Josh Jacobs a four-year deal and is likely the No. 1 running back at 1265 Lombardi Avenue for the foreseeable future. AJ Dillon is back on a one-year deal, and at this moment is a safe bet to be part of the running back rotation. 

With 11 picks at his disposal in the 2024 NFL Draft, Brian Gutekunst will likely be on the lookout for a running back to team with those two veterans. 

A potential target on Day 2, is Trey Benson. The Florida State running back checks in at No. 13 on the Unpacking Future Packers Countdown.

An Oregon transfer, Benson rushed for 990 yards and nine touchdowns during his first season in Tallahassee. 

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This past season the former three-star recruit rushed for 906 yards and 14 touchdowns. Benson added 20 receptions for 227 yards and one touchdown. 

“Benson was often someone FSU relied upon for a spark when their offense got stagnant,” Zach Blostein, a reporter for Noles247.com, said. “It seemed whenever FSU needed a big play, Benson rose to the occasion and delivered it. With a backup quarterback against rival Florida on the road, he, along with their defense were the reasons they won that game. He’d often bail out FSU’s inconsistent offensive line play by breaking a few tackles.”

At 6-0 and 216 pounds, Benson is rocked up. He’s a no-nonsense style runner with outstanding contact balance. He brushes off initial contact like the defender is an annoying little gnat. He keeps his legs pumping to churn out extra yards. He’s a forward finisher. According to Pro Football Focus, Benson racked up 1,249 yards after contact and forced 124 missed tackles over the past two seasons. He’s capable of picking up the tough yards between the tackles to move the chains on third and short. 

Benson makes sharp lateral cuts without having to gear down. To go along with his charged-up running style Benson has home run ability. He has the speed to destroy pursuit angles. Benson became the first player in program history to have an 80-yard rushing and receiving touchdown and matched the program record with three 80-yard touchdowns. 

 

“He’s super well put together and runs in a way where he’s very difficult to bring down,” Blostein said. “If a defensive player is attempting to get Benson to the ground, they better come with some real force and proper technique. Because someone that’s 220 pounds and runs a 4.39 40-yard dash, can make defenders look silly, which he did often.”

Benson has soft, reliable hands. The Oregon transfer is a reliable and dynamic option on screens. Benson has the functional strength and alertness to be trusted in pass protection. 

“He is a surprisingly good pass-catching option out of the backfield,” Blostein said. “His speed is elite so when you pair that ability with impressive hands for a running back, you have a real threat. A play that puts this on display perfectly is his long catch and run for a TD against Wake Forest this past season. He caught a short pass and took it the distance because he just moved exceptionally well for his size, which I honestly think catches defenders by surprise when he’s in the open field.”

Fit with the Packers

Dillon is back on a cheap, one-year deal. He is not a lock to make the roster. However, given the current state of Green Bay’s running back room, one would think he’s a safe bet to make the final cut. 

That doesn’t mean he’ll be the No. 2 back behind Jacobs. If the Packers add a player with Benson’s talent, he could easily supplant Dillon as second in command in Green Bay’s running back room and could be the long-term No. 2 behind Jacobs.

“I’d draft Benson because I think he’s the perfect NFL back. His size/speed combo should have every NFL team in need of a ‘back intrigued because I feel like that skill set is exactly what some teams in the league are missing. Despite starting his career at Oregon with a knee injury, he’s shown to have been pretty durable since he recovered and transferred to FSU. He’s also just a great human being and someone a coach should absolutely want in their locker room. His teammates at FSU couldn’t have spoken more highly of Benson during and after his career in Tallahassee.”

Gutekunst has four Day 2 picks at his disposal, which gives him a ton of flexibility. It would not be surprising to see him take a running back with the 58th overall pick or with one of the two third-round picks. Benson has a well-rounded skill set and would provide the Packers with another young weapon to make life easier for Jordan Love.

Broncos met with RB Trey Benson at the NFL combine

The Broncos met with FSU running back Trey Benson at the NFL combine. He is considered one of the top RBs in this year’s NFL draft.

The Denver Broncos had a formal interview with Florida State’s Trey Benson at the NFL combine, the running back told Chris Tomasson of the Denver Gazette.

Benson (6-0, 216 pounds) impressed at the combine with a 4.39-second 40-yard dash and a 1.52-second 10-yard split. He is considered one of the top running backs in this year’s class.

Benson spent the first two years of his college career at Oregon. He missed his freshman season with a knee injury and played sparingly as a sophomore. Benson then transferred to FSU ahead of the 2022 season.

In his first year with the Seminoles, Benson earned second-team All-ACC recognition after rushing for 990 yards and nine touchdowns. He earned that honor again in 2023 after totaling 1,133 yards from scrimmage and scoring 15 total touchdowns (14 rushing, one receiving).

NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein has Benson projected as a second- or third-round prospect. The Broncos do not have a second-round pick, but they do hold pick No. 76 in the third round. With Javonte Williams and Samaje Perine scheduled to become free agents in 2025, Denver would be wise to add more depth at running back this spring.

The 2024 NFL draft will be held in Detroit from April 25-27. We are tracking all of Denver’s pre-draft prospect visits on Broncos Wire.

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Giants to host RB Trey Benson on top 30 visit

The New York Giants will host Florida State running back Trey Benson on a top 30 visit ahead of the 2024 NFL draft.

The New York Giants will be seeking to supplement Devin Singletary with a rookie in their effort to replace Saquon Barkley this year.

They will be hosting Florida State’s Trey Benson in one of their top 30 pre-draft visits.

Benson is a 6-foot-1, 223-pound prospect who ran a 4.39 40-yard dash at this year’s NFL Combine.

Bleacher Report’s NFL Scouting Department describes Benson as such:

Trey Benson is a violent runner with all the explosive potential you want out of an RB1…Benson has a sturdy frame and isn’t afraid to weaponize it. He is an aggressive, relentless runner who easily shakes off arm tackles and doesn’t often go down on first contact. He’s the type of runner who always falls forward and tends to require more than one tackler to shut him down.

Bison will no doubt be a Day 2 selection. The Giants have the 47th overall selection in Round 2 and the 70th overall in Round 3. Benson is not likely to last until the Giants’ next pick after that, which is No. 107.

The Giants currently have Singletary, who has been a productive back for both teams he’s played for (Buffalo and Houston), and second-year back Eric Gray as their top two options.

The addition of Benson could give them a formidable committee at running back, which appears to be their goal.

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Dynamic Florida State RB Trey Benson meeting with Browns ahead of 2024 NFL draft

Could the Browns draft Nick Chubb’s eventual replacement?

There are some intriguing options at the running back position in the 2024 NFL draft despite the likelihood that none will go in the first round. The Browns continue to build their draft board with a Top 30 visit with dynamic Florida State running back Trey Benson.

Benson is my third-ranked running back in this class, with a great blend of speed and power. He comes from a spread-out shotgun running scheme at Flordia State, which is something we will likely see more of from the Browns in 2024. He possesses above-average vision and accelerates quickly once he finds a rushing lane.

Benson’s ability to succeed in both gap and zone running schemes gives him the versatility the Browns have been known to covet. If you’re looking for a dynamic player who can make people miss in space and run away from defenders with great speed, Benson is that guy.

Last season at FSU, Benson forced 45 missed tackles while averaging 5.8 yards per attempt and scoring 14 touchdowns. The Browns running back room is getting crowded, but the upside and ceiling of Benson might be too hard to pass up.

Report: Giants showing ‘heavy interest’ in FSU RB Trey Benson

The New York Giants are reportedly showing “heavy interest” in Florida State running back Trey Benson.

The New York Giants are in the market for a running back after the defection of Saquon Barkley to Philadelphia in free agency last month.

One player they appear to be interested in the 2024 NFL draft is Florida State’s Trey Benson.

Benson, at 6-foot and 216 pounds, has the desired size/speed combination that teams look for in an every down back.

The Giants have a decent stable of running backs after signing Devin Singleton in free agency last month to pair with Eric Gray and Gary Brightwell but need another player to build a solid committee at running back.

“Benson is my RB1 in the 2024 NFL Draft, worthy of early-to-mid Day 2 draft capital,” writes Ian Cummings of Pro Football Network.

“His size-speed profile and his baseline vision and footwork allow for schematic flexibility across gap and zone looks, and his visible potential as a receiver serves as a bonus. As a projected volume back, Benson brings plenty to like. He has a strong, compact build at around 6’0″, 200 pounds, with a powerful lower body.”

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Panthers reportedly have top-30 visit for Florida State RB Trey Benson

The Panthers might want a closer look at FSU RB Trey Benson.

Jonathon Brooks isn’t the only running back prospect who the Carolina Panthers may want a closer look at before the 2024 NFL draft.

According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the team has a top-30 visit scheduled with Florida State’s Trey Benson. The six-foot, 216-pound rusher enters the league as a two-time second-team All-ACC member, earning those nods for the 2022 and 2023 campaigns.

Before his time in Tallahassee, the Greenville, Miss. native began his collegiate career at the University of Oregon. His tenure as a Duck didn’t pan out, as he missed the 2020 season due to a torn ACL and only recorded six rushing attempts for 22 yards and a touchdown over 10 games in 2021.

Benson would then transfer to Florida State University in 2022, where he ran for 990 yards and nine scores on 154 carries. He’d follow that up in 2023 with 906 yards and 14 visits to the end zone off 156 totes along with 20 receptions for 227 yards and another touchdown.

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