Florida State running back Trey Benson had his first top-30 pre-visit with the Buffalo Bills ahead of the 2024 NFL Draft, according to to Aaron Wilson. Although the role of a quarterback has changed in the NFL, Benson still presents himself as someone who can thrive in a situation as a professional player.
The Bills currently list three reserve players on their roster: James Cook, Ty Johnson and Darrynton Evans. They will likely add at least one more to the position between draft camp and training camp.
Benson is expected to be drafted on Day 2, which many believes it’s too early to pick a running back for Buffalo. . Still, Benson’s potential is intriguing
Benson brings size to the running back role – standing 6 feet tall and weighing 216 pounds. His total score of 80 in the Next Gen Stats placed him first among running backs in the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine. Benson aced his combined tests, running the 40-yard dash in 4.39 seconds, the 10-yard dash in 1.52 seconds, a vertical jump of 33.5 inches, and a broad jump of 10’2 inches.< br>< br>Despite this, he passed his comprehensive tests. A big dual threat returning, Benson wants to play elusive football instead of a more smashing approach. The problem is that Benson seems to lack elite vision and teams may prefer to use him as an inside hitter to take down opponents. Operating as a cutting back, Benson possesses the ability to go the distance due to his explosiveness.
Benson began his college career as a redshirt with Oregon. He transferred to Florida State for his senior year and saw his production take off. In two seasons with the Seminoles, Benson had 310 carries for 1,896 yards and 23 touchdowns, adding 33 receptions for 371 yards and one touchdown. He had over 1,000 yards from games in both seasons with Florida State. He finished his college career as a two-time All-ACC Second Team winner (2022 and 2023 seasons).
(stats courtesy of Sports Reference )
For the Bills, Benson would finish third providing them with a more versatile, three-way runner with more potential who can catch passes in a traditional RB fashion, in while still dealing enough damage at home to block. Although he only carried the ball more than 20 times at a time in college, it’s possible he could handle a heavier workload with just two years of college penalty.
Based on Trey Benson’s draft path — which says he should hear his name called in Rounds 2 or 3 — he might not be a great fit for the Buffalo Bills. But if he starts to decline, there’s enough to like about his current game to recruit in pursuit of what could be a great NFL career down the road.