Trey Benson Scouting Report  

If you like 4.3 speed, 6.11 yards per carry, and a historic broken tackle rate, then Trey Benson is for you.

In addition to NEVER fumbling in his college career, Benson helped Florida State’s offense reach new heights with his big-play ability.

He profiles as one of the top RBs in this draft class – with tremendous upside. But can he be a bell cow RB for the Cardinals?

Let’s explore his profile …  

Trey Benson Draft Profile

Trey Benson Combine Results

Percentiles vs Combine RBs since 1999, per MockDraftable

Trey Benson College Stats

Benson Goes to the West Coast

Benson dazzled at St. Joseph’s High School in Mississippi. He rushed for 3,616 yards and 48 TDs over his final two seasons.

He was a multi-sport athlete, also lettering in basketball.

Recruiting websites expected Benson to join Mike Leach’s Air Raid offense at Mississippi State. But he instead committed to Mario Cristobal’s run-first Oregon offense.

Oregon planned to redshirt Benson in 2020 with the potential for a role in 2021.

Unfortunately, disaster struck on December 1, 2020. Benson made a cut at practice and suffered a major non-contact knee injury. In addition to a torn ACL, Benson tore his MCL, LCL, meniscus, and hamstring. 

According to Benson, the recovery was difficult, and he clearly was not the same runner in 2021. He logged only 14 snaps and 6 carries that season.

Benson Transfers to Florida State

Cristobal left Oregon after 2021. So Benson transferred for a shot to start at FSU.

He immediately created buzz with a strong spring camp. Benson’s knee appeared to be fully recovered, and he proved to be the most athletic RB on the roster by far.

Benson split carries for the first half of the season. But by the end of October, he commanded 75% of the RB touches per game.

His ability to break tackles and bust off long runs put defenses on their heels.

Benson returned to school for his fourth season as Florida State geared up for a run at the playoffs.

Other Offensive Stars Emerge

The offense was expected to run through Benson. But transfer WR Keon Coleman lit up the scoreboard in Week 1 against LSU while QB Jordan Travis showed development.

Benson took a backseat to the passing game ealry, logging only 7 rushing attempts against Clemson in Week 4. His broken-tackle rate dwindled, and Benson regressed.

The Seminoles did rely on Benson in some tight games down the stretch after Travis tore an ACL. Benson’s 3-TD performance against Florida sealed a tight victory.

Benson’s PFF grade dipped from 88.5 in 2022 to 84.2 in 2023. He had a solid season, despite some regression.

Trey Benson Highlights

Games watched: LSU (2022), Miami (2022), Florida (2022), LSU (2023), Clemson (2023), Virginia Tech (2023), Wake Forest (2023), Miami (2023), Florida (2023), Louisville (2023)

Benson’s highlight reel shows his athleticism.  

But will it prove he is more than just an athlete masquerading as a RB?

Benson Sports Elite Athleticism

The athletic testing at the Combine put numbers to what was apparent throughout Benson’s Florida State career. When he steps onto the field, he is the most athletic player out there.

Whether it be the deep speed for a home run TD or explosion off the snap to beat LBs to the hole, Benson utilizes his athletic talents.

In the clip below, Benson uses his lateral agility to move into the gigantic hole on his right.

He smoothly glides while ramping up to that 4.39 speed. The Hurricanes defenders have no shot to even touch Benson, let alone stop him.

This play also illustrates Benson’s ability to take perfect angles. His smooth footwork allows him to effortlessly outrun and outmaneuver defenders.

Benson Breaks Tackles

In 2022, Benson had the best broken-tackle rate since PFF began tracking the stat in 2014: 0.51 broken tackles per rushing attempt. 

That rate got cut in half in 2023 (0.26). 

Despite the dropoff, Benson’s ability to run through arm tackles and stay balanced through contact remains the best in the draft class.

In the clip below, Benson’s awareness allows him to survive a wrap-up tackle in circus fashion. As he continues rushing, he blasts through two defenders' arm tackles to pick up an additional 7 yards.

At 216 pounds, Benson is difficult to bring down for any defender who lacks fundamentals. Add Benson’s speed and quickness, and he becomes a nightmare in open space.

Benson a Superb Receiver

Fantasy players should rejoice at having a top RB prospect who catches the ball fluidly. Benson’s catch technique is better than most WRs in this draft. He succeeds with hands and body control.

Benson makes an NFL WR catch on the sideline in the clip below. This is NOT common for a RB when making a contested catch.

Of course, Benson’s receiving utility was mainly limited to checkdowns and screens. He has flashed the ability to do more and could even line up at WR for some snaps.

If a creative offense gets hold of Benson, his upside is tremendous.

Vision Problems

Benson is raw at identifying holes quickly. This leads to many wasted steps and shuffles before he finally takes his shot.

He rarely reads the second level of the defense to set up LBs and safeties for bigger plays. Benson squanders a frustrating number of those opportunities.

In the clip below, Benson takes the counter and fails to identify LSU LB Harold Perkins Jr. Benson doesn't shift his eyes to manipulate or freeze Perkins nor sees no alternative to the scripted hole.

The conclusion: Benson just bangs straight into unnecessary contact.

Despite being a bigger back, he works poorly through traffic at the line and is worse at convertin short-yardage situations than you’d expect. 

These small problems can compound to ineffective games if Benson doesn’t have the blocking to help him.

Trey Benson Team Fit: Arizona Cardinals

Unlike most college teams, Florida State ran both gap and zone-blocking schemes. Benson ran the ball 196 times with gap-style blocking vs. 114 times with zone blocking. He averaged nearly an additional yard per carry in gap.

Last season under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, the Cardinals ran more gap than zone throughout the season. Per PFF, James Conner’s 8.8 gap rushes per game were the fourth most in the NFL.

The scheme fit is ideal for Benson’s talents.

Backing Up James Conner

Benson’s talent should boost him up the depth chart to at least the backup role this year. James Conner has never played a full NFL season, missing at least two games every year of his pro career. 

Benson should have an opportunity to audition for the lead back job if Conner goes down again with an injury.

The 29-year old Conner is set to be a free agent after the season, paving the way for Benson to be the RB of the future.