01/10/2014 - Benjamin adds 1st-round potential to deep WR class...Florida State redshirt sophomore wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin has decided to bypass his remaining eligibility and enter the 2014 NFL Draft. The 6-6, 220-pound target has the size/speed combination and overall catching radius that will have him high on most draft boards. Benjamin is currently rated as the No. 4 wide receiver and No. 24 prospect overall by NFLDraftScout.com for the 2014 class. He is the 19th wide receiver to declare early and the 82nd underclassmen prospect overall, extending this year's record class for non-seniors. Benjamin is the second redshirt sophomore wide receiver to leave school early, joining Texas A&M's Mike Evans, but the former Seminole is older for his class, turning 23 years old in February.
Few have Benjamin's blend of size and speed, a potential matchup nightmare for defensive backs at the next level. He has long arms and does a nice job full extending to create an enormous catching radius for cornerbacks to try and defend. Benjamin needs to show more development and focus at the catch point to complete catches and do a better job finishing with the ball. He is still raw in several areas, including his route running, but his long strides and natural tools makes him a very attractive prospect early in the draft. Benjamin caught the game-winning touchdown in the BCS Championship game and finished the 2013 season with several career-bests: 54 catches, 1,011 receiving yards, 15 touchdowns and 18.7 yards per catch average. - Dane Brugler, NFLDraftScout.com
Overview
Benjamin arrived at Florida State following three seasons with national powerhouse Glades Central in Belle Glade, Fla.
He arrived in Tallahassee rated as a four-star recruit and redshirted in 2011. Benjamin ranked fourth on the team with 30 receptions for 495 yards the following season, finishing with four touchdowns.
After a modest sophomore season, Benjamin has had a breakout junior campaign, but the last two performances before the BCS title game stood out as he combined for 14 catches for 331 yards and five touchdowns.
In the ACC Championship Game vs. Duke, Benjamin recorded his third career 100-yard receiving game and led the Seminoles' offense with a pair of touchdowns.
Against Auburn in the BCS title game, Benjamin was held to just four catches for 54 yards, but his two-yard grab with only 13 seconds remaining propelled the Seminoles to the victory. Both games paled in comparison to a dominant effort against arch rival Florida in which Benjamin torched the Gators' talented secondary for nine catches for 212 yards and three scores.
With the NFL featuring a number of big, long athletes at receiver, Benjamin fits what pro teams are looking for in a physical mismatch on the perimeter.
Analysis
STRENGTHS: Near-tight end size (6-5, 235) with a ridiculously large wingspan, giving him a catching radius that is probably on-par with anyone at the NFL level.
Shows the gliding speed and short-area quickness to create some separation and be a terror in jump-ball situations, especially in the red zone. Big hands, good hand-eye coordination and impressive body control to snatch passes outside of his frame. Tracks the ball well over his shoulder.
Experienced playing outside and in the slot and shows courage in crossing the middle. Tough to bring down in the open field, using his long arms to effectively stiff-arm defenders and showing suddenness to accelerate once the ball is in his hands. Attentive downfield blocker who works to seal off defenders as well as peel back to take out opponents in pursuit.
WEAKNESSES: Still developing as a route-runner, adding to questions about his ability to play a large role immediately in the NFL. While his size is problematic for defenders, Benjamin's length makes it difficult for him to sink his hips and explodes out of cuts, making him much better suited to verticals and crossing routes than double-moves, limiting his fit to certain schemes.
Drops too many passes. Allows the ball into his chest too often. Will take his eyes off the ball in an attempt to make the defender miss before actually securing the pass, leading to an occasional ugly drop. Seems to especially struggle with low passes, a problem for many taller receivers.
COMPARES TO: Plaxico Burress, Pittsburgh Steelers - Possessing impressive acceleration and a similar frame as the 6-5, 232-pound Burress, Benjamin is a big play waiting to happen. The junior remains rough around the edges, however, making him a bit of a boom-or-bust prospect.
--Rob Rang