Amidst the overload of talent in the 2024 NFL Draft class, Florida State running back, Trey Benson, might be the most under-discussed prospect this offseason.
NFL Draft analysts and community members would generally agree this draft class is the most talented since the class of 2021, with an absolutely loaded wide receiver group, potentially five first-round quarterbacks, and multiple blue-chip offensive tackle and cornerback prospects.
Even so, one name that continues to be tossed under the rug is Florida State’s Trey Benson – a 215-pound, bellcow back who’s projected by many to be the first at his position taken off the board in this year’s draft.
Trey Benson’s NFL Draft Tools and Traits
With the physical tools and tape of a potential superstar, Benson has the traits to become not just a starting back, but an elite one at the NFL level.
The first thing that jumped out to me when watching his film was his speed, both long speed and ability to put the pedal to the floor with elite acceleration. He followed that presumption up nicely by posting a 4.39 40-yard dash time at the NFL Combine. His 1.52 10-yard split was also the best at the event among running backs, showcasing his ability to truly explode into that top speed I saw on film.
This athleticism gives Benson the ability to make defenders miss at an extremely high rate as well. In two seasons, he forced 124 missed tackles, per PFF. In 2022, his missed tackles forced rate was over 50%.
To pair with his athletic traits, Benson fills out his prospect profile with off-the-charts production as well. After suffering an ugly knee injury at Oregon, he transferred to Florida State in 2022 where he averaged 6.9 and 6.1 YPC in two full seasons. In these years, he totaled 24 touchdowns, and PFF rushing grades of 92.8 and 87.5 – among the best in the nation.
Trey Benson forced missed tackles at a RECORD rate last season😳 pic.twitter.com/KREMeY0CFV
— PFF College (@PFF_College) February 23, 2023
This is a guy who has the running style of a freight train, aiming to throw defenders to the ground with an elite stiff-arm or simply run them over. Where he lacks creativity or vision in this style, he makes up for it in power and the ability to churn out extra yardage.
It’s also worth noting his ball security, and impact in the receiving game, where his hands and pass-blocking ability are among the best in this class. In 353 rushing attempts in his college career, Benson recorded zero fumbles.
Benson has True First-Round NFL Draft Outlook
Assuming the medicals check out with Benson, this is a guy that I’d be considering in the back end of first round. I think he’s right in line with some of the past backs we’ve seen taken at the top of the second round, such as Breece Hall, Kenneth Walker, or Javonte Williams.
It wouldn’t shock me if we see Benson’s career mirror the trajectory of those aforementioned star running backs, as he remains a prospect who isn’t getting enough hype as we approach the 2024 draft.
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