Physical runner after the catch – doesn’t shy from contact
Good job of reading coverages
Will find the soft spots in zone
Savvy route runner
Changes speeds and really sells the corner
Impressive ball skills
Does a good job of sinking hips and exploding out of breaks
Not afraid to go over the middle
Solid speed and athleticism
Prototypical possession receiver
Love his hand-eye coordination
Nice vision
Terrific agility and change of direction
Great overall skill set
Weaknesses:
Lacks elite vertical speed
A little slow to eat the off-man cushion
Hands were somewhat inconsistent as a junior
Poor junior year production (read summary)
Primarily played in the slot at Illinois – will be asked to be a flanker/split end
Summary: Benn has the talent and polish to contribute very early in his career and I don’t doubt that he will be a No. 1 receiver for some team. He wasn’t very productive as a junior, but most people I’ve talked to say the quarterback situation at Illinois really hurt Benn’s numbers. Benn will be a far better red=zone weapon in the NFL than he was in college. Benn is expected to go in the latter half of the first round.
Player Comparison: Anquan Boldin. Boldin, like Benn, has a big frame with very good ball skills, athleticism and toughness.
