University of British Columbia offensive tackle Theo Benedet is among the most unique prospects in the 2024 NFL Draft. Benedet impressed 20-plus NFL teams at his Pro Day, where he had a 34.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot-6 broad jump at 6-foot-7 and 295 pounds. Benedet possesses an outstanding chance to be drafted this weekend despite never playing college football in the United States of America.
Benedet recently spoke exclusively with The Draft Network about playing college football in Vancouver, Canada, his pro day performance, which NFL teams have shown interest in his services, and more.
JM: You were born in North Vancouver, British Columbia and played college football locally in Canada. How did you first fall in love with the game in Canada, and when did you start playing?
Theo Benedet: I’ve been a football fan my entire life. My uncle played at The University of Western Ontario in the 90s. I grew up around him during his time with that program. I always loved watching football. I grew up playing Madden (laughs).
The first football game I ever went to was the BC Lions versus the Saskatchewan Roughriders at their old temporary stadium before they were at BC Place. That’s how I fell in love with the game growing up. I started playing in high school. I never looked back.
JM: Was there ever any consideration to play college ball in America? It's rare to position yourself to play in the NFL without attending an American college football program, but you've done just that.
Theo Benedet: It was a decision that I had to make. I had some offers coming out of high school from American programs. If I was staying local, I knew I’d stay in BC. My family is here, my mom works in BC.
That was the decision, if I was going to stay in BC or move to Canada. I really enjoy living in Canada. At the end of the day, I felt like I could get a great education here. I also felt like our coaching staff had a plan and vision for me.
I felt like I could accomplish all of my goals as a player here in Canada. That’s what went into my decision.
JM: And you have. You’ve positioned yourself to be drafted. Your fellow offensive tackle partner at the program, Giovanni Manu, also has an outstanding chance to get drafted. Talk about history if we see two players from the same Canadian program get drafted into the NFL in the same year. Talk to me about your relationship with Gio and the chemistry you guys had as the starting tackles.
Theo Benedet: Our relationship is everything to me. We’ve basically grown up as players together these past four or five years. It’s been really cool to lean on each other throughout this process. Getting drafted together, it’s something we’ve talked about. We’d be very proud of that. Even if one of us gets drafted and the other gets signed, whatever.
That would be really cool. It would be a watershed moment for British Columbia and football in Canada as a whole.
JM: It really would. Do NFL teams see you playing tackle or guard at the next level?
Theo Benedet: Teams are open to me playing both. Some teams I’ve spoken with lean more toward me being a tackle, and others lean toward guard. All of them agree that I have positional versatility and that it can be an asset for them.
JM: Do you see yourself in a zone-based system or in a gap/power scheme? What do you have more familiarity with?
Theo Benedet: I would say I typically prefer a zone scheme because it highlights my best assets. I feel like it’s better suited to my strengths as a player. I can do whatever though. I’m happy to execute any system.
JM: What was your favorite play to run in the playbook and why?
Theo Benedet: My favorite play was actually this screen play we had off of our zone read action. The quarterback would basically fake the zone read and all of the other offensive linemen would have a zone read.
The tackle [me] would pull out flat along the line of scrimmage and basically lead block for our running back on the screen. I just loved it because it allowed me to dominate little guys in space (laughs).
JM: I love that. You put forth an outstanding performance at pro day with 20+ NFL teams in attendance. You had a 34.5-inch vertical and a 9-foot-6 broad at 6-foot-7, 295 pounds. You also ran a 4.6 shuttle. What do you think you proved to those NFL teams that attended?
Theo Benedet: I think I backed up what they saw on film from me. I think teams see my explosiveness. They saw my athleticism and ability to operate in space. I actually went into pro day with a pretty bad sprained ankle. I had to battle through it. I hope that showcased my toughness and willingness to play through injury.
JM: It was a terrific showing for you. Have you met with any teams throughout this process, whether in person or virtually?
Theo Benedet: I’ve met with a lot of teams virtually. That list includes the Saints, Bears, Panthers, Bills, Falcons, and others. I met with the Cowboys, Colts, and Bills at pro day. I had an in-person 30 visit with the Indianapolis Colts as well.
JM: There’s a lot of interest in you and it’s easy to see why. We've appreciated your time today. What kind of impact is Theo Benedet going to make at the next level?
Theo Benedet: I hope my impact proves the amount of talent we have in British Columbia, Canada. I want to help contribute for a franchise that wins a Super Bowl.