[CBFF] Revisiting 2005 Draft: Cedric Benson

[Victor Waldron]

Cedric Benson
RB | (5'10", 222, 4.55) | TEXAS

Scouts Grade: 96

Flags: (C: CHARACTER) Problems on and off the field

Strengths: Is at his best running between the tackles. Has decent
quickness and good initial burst. Has patience and vision. Hits the
hole hard when he sees it open up. Will do a good job of planting and
driving quickly in order to hit the cutback lane. Runs with good
balance and body control. Runs with leverage, will lower his shoulder
and does a very good job of driving his legs after initial contact. He
is a powerful inside runner with enough quickness and burst to get
through the hole and to bounce runs to the outside. Is a load to bring
down with a head of steam in space. Has adequate speed for his size
but is not a burner. He is an adequate blocker in the passing game.
Shows decent awareness and has good size and power at the POA to pick
up the blitz. His hands are smooth and he has developed into a
reliable short-yardage receiver. A powerful back who has been a
workhorse at the college level.

Weaknesses: Has some burst to the second level but lacks the
acceleration to run away from defenders in the open field. Lacks the
natural speed to consistently turn the corner on the NFL level. Has
reliable hands but isn't a matchup threat as a route runner and has
some limitations in that area. No major injuries but has been nicked a
lot throughout his career and also missed the '03 Holiday Bowl due to
a pinched nerve in his neck. Has a lot of mileage on his legs  561
carries his last two years. Has had some off-the-field issues. Does he
love playing the game of football? Will he work hard enough at it in
the NFL?

Overall: Benson was drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 12th
round out of high school and spent two summers playing baseball in
their farm system before deciding to concentrate fully on his football
career. He had an excellent second-half of a season as a junior in
2003, rushing for 1,360 yards on 258 carries with 21 rushing
touchdowns. Benson was expected to leave early but chose to return for
his senior season in 2004. As a senior in 2004, Benson rushed for
1,764 yards and 19 touchdowns on 303 carries. Benson is a workhorse.
He has size, power, quickness and enough speed to carry the load as a
starting running back in the NFL. In that regard, he reminds us
somewhat of Stephen Davis (Panthers). If used properly in a power
running attack Benson can be a difference maker as a load-carrying NFL
running back. Overall, Benson is certain to be a top-10 pick. However,
there are some lingering concerns about his character, attitude and
speed that make him a potential disappointment at the next level. In
our opinion, Benson is the third-best NFL prospect of the top-3 backs
in the 2005 draft class.