Florida State running back Trey Benson possesses an outstanding chance to be the first ball-carrier selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. Benson blends size, speed, and power to project as an impactful lead back in an NFL offense. Benson is a smooth accelerator with exciting vertical jump-cut ability.
Benson also tested outstandingly at the NFL Combine. The Seminoles standout ran a 4.39 40 with a 1.52 10-yard split at 6-foot, 216 pounds. Benson showcased lower-body explosion via a 10-foot-2 broad jump. Benson has extremely powerful legs.
Benson rushed for 905 yards and 14 touchdowns this past season. The Greenville, Mississippi native has three-down potential. We've identified three ideal team fits for Benson in the 2024 NFL Draft.
DALLAS COWBOYS
The Cowboys are entering the 2024 NFL Draft with a massive need at running back. They decided against retaining Tony Pollard in free agency, who signed a three-year contract worth $21 million with the Tennessee Titans. The Cowboys surprisingly did not react to his departure by signing a veteran replacement.
That leaves Rico Dowdle and Deuce Vaughn sitting atop Mike McCarthy's depth chart. Neither player is an appropriate early-down back. Dallas needs to draft a ball-carrier that's effective between the tackles. Benson runs with the power required to break tackles. The Cowboys have likely earmarked the No. 56 or 87 overall selection for a running back. Benson should be shortlisted as the potential solution in Dallas.
LOS ANGELES CHARGERS
Jim Harbaugh and Joe Horitz are building their version of the Chargers. The plan included parting ways with Austin Ekeler, who joined the Washington Commanders in free agency. The Chargers signed Gus Edwards away from the Baltimore Ravens, but I'd be surprised if they didn't draft a back to pair with Edwards. The previous regime drafted Isaiah Spiller, but he hasn't developed into a consistent contributor.
The Chargers own the 39th selection and three additional choices between 69 and 110. Horitz and Harbaugh are also candidates to trade back from No. 5 with a QB-needy franchise to acquire additional selections. Benson and Edwards would combine to form a powerful duo that plays Harbaugh's physical brand of football.
ARIZONA CARDINALS
Cardinals starting running back James Conner is entering the final season of a three-year, $21 million contract. Conner will essentially turn 30 when his contract expires. It'd be surprising if Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort possessed interest in re-signing Conner at that point.
This is the offseason to prepare for Conner's eventual departure. The Cardinals don't have a like-for-like replacement on the roster. DeeJay Dallas and Michael Carter are rotational players on passing downs, not early-down runners a la Conner. Conner has also struggled with injury in recent years, so there's that to consider.
Ossenfort is equipped with seven selections within the opening 104 picks, and the wheeling-and-dealing leader could acquire more capital. That's enough pick-by-pick flexibility to use a selection on a non-premium position like running back. Conner's successor should arrive via the 2024 NFL Draft, and Benson is a great option.
