Joe Burrow, Ja’Marr Chase, and Tee Higgins is about as good of a trio in the passing game as you’ll ever see.
But that doesn’t mean they can’t be even better.
Oregon WR Malik Benson recently told reporters that he had met with a number of teams, one of them being the Cincinnati Bengals.
To be clear, this is about high upside with low risk, as Benson isn’t projected to be drafted until the middle or later rounds.
Still, it is fun to think about how the 6’0, 189 pound receiver with blazing speed (4.37
in the 40 yard dash) would open things up a bit more for Chase and Higgins.
Benson was a decorated sprinter in high school and scored from 40+ yards out on five of his six touchdown catches last year. So he has speed that clearly translates to the game of football.
Strengths: According to NFL.com’s Draft profile, Benson can quickly get past press coverage and adjust to the ball downfield as needed. He also leverages his length well to corral throws outside his frame. Perhaps most importantly, he has shown toughness and the ability to catch through contact.
NFLDraftBuzz.com adds that Benson got so good at catching the ball in his final season that “drops nearly disappeared.” Also, he was clutch in critical moments at Oregon and produced at four different college stops, showing an ability to learn and compete in unfamiliar environments.
Weaknesses: NFL.com notes that Benson can be outmuscled at the top of routes and is indecisive on short catch-and-run throws. NFLDraftBuzz.com adds that he does not provide a lot in terms of run blocking, doesn’t create great YAC in traffic, and didn’t have a high target volume.
If he’s there in the later rounds, don’t be shocked to see the Bengals take a chance on Benson, as he could potentially play the role that Burrow so desperately wanted Jermaine Burton to play.
