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In a draft class where the running back group is deemed weak and lacking depth, Trey Benson is one of the most underrated players not only at his position but in the entire class. Benson started his collegiate career at Oregon, where he unfortunately missed the entirety of the 2020 season due to a torn ACL. After splitting time in his first year, he the transferred to Florida State, where he eventually broke out as the lead back for the Noles.

Benson enters the NFL draft with a consensus day two grade among most experts. Most have him slotted behind Texas’ Jonathan Brooks for the class’s top running back, but some have him nearly falling out of the top five backs entirely. However, I think this couldn’t be further from the case. I believe Benson is far and away the best back in this class and a guy that I have a firm first-round grade when you're not looking at positional value.

If Trey Benson gets open space, good luck. pic.twitter.com/LDynbOhmsF

Key Attributes and Play Style

Trey Benson’s 4.39 40 time at the combine caught many by surprise, and I’m not quite sure why. Benson’s home run speed and great burst were evident from the moment I turned on his tape. He is not the most elusive back, but the long speed is definitely there on tape. Not only does he have the game-breaking speed, but he is also a big, strong back with good power who’s hard to bring down. 

In the passing game, Benson is a good route runner, and despite needing to improve on his drops in order to become a better hands catcher, he’s a plus-receiving threat. Benson is also a solid pass-protecting back since he has the strength and willingness to succeed in that area.
Benson sheds off arm tackles with relative ease. He has phenomenal contact balance, which is one of his best attributes. He also has a nasty stiff arm, which allows him to be a great finisher and fight for extra yardage at the end of runs. 

Probably isn't the best idea to try to arm tackle Trey Benson! pic.twitter.com/YsXe8R5Ffs

Film Breakdown

The weak point in Benson’s game is easily his vision. Benson is the epitome of a one-cut-and-go runner. He is not a very patient runner and does not find cut-back lanes often. Due to his knack for big chunk plays, this is not the end of the world for Benson, but he definitely needs to be more patient at the next level.

Also, it would be criminal to not mention that Benson didn’t fumble in his collegiate career, which is incredibly impressive. Despite never receiving over 20 touches in a game, you can be confident in Benson’s ability to be a volume back in the NFL.

Dynasty/2024 Fantasy Football Outlook

The hype for Benson is starting to gain some buzz, and at the time of publishing this, he is officially the odds-on favorite to be the first running back off the board. That said he is still plus money to do so. Simply put, Brooks is a solid back, but he is not near the caliber of runner that Benson is. 

While I have a first-round grade on Benson, my grading scale does not account for the lack of value for running backs. I think Benson, like my comparison for him, Jonathan Taylor, would be a home run pick in the early second round and would be a priority for me at the back end of the first round in dynasty rookie drafts. Looking at Underdog ADP, Benson is going as the RB31, and if you can draft him near that price for 2024 fantasy football, I would be doing so.

Final Grade: 88.5 - Mid 1st Rounder

For the full grade breakdown see Instagram @KwonScouting.