Kelvin Benjamin - WR - FSU [UPDATE PAGE 1, 7/3] (1 Viewer)

[pantherclub]

I said predicted upthread he should get between 45-60 catches with 8 tds.

Seems about right.

 

[Steed]

I'm gonna predict a Roy Williams level career here. Maybe a few decent years, but mostly a disappointment given his lofty draft position. an incredibly low floor too. Jon Baldwin low.

 

[cstu]

Up to 245 lbs.

 

[amnesiac]

i could see them using him in a TE type role if they had any receivers

 

[cstu]

i could see them using him in a TE type role if they had any receivers

I've said all along he should be a TE but he only had 13 bench reps at the combine. He'd be an extremely tough TE to cover if he got stronger. He's only 5 lbs. now away from Ertz (6-5, 249).

 

[NCCommish]

Nice interview with Kelvin . The interview starts around the 15:50 mark.

 

[cstu]

Nice interview with Kelvin . The interview starts around the 15:50 mark.

Always fun listening to Ebron.

 

[Skeletore Eh]

Kelvin Benjamin - WR - Panthers
Kelvin Benjamin and 11 other Panthers receivers and quarterbacks had a three-day throwing session with Cam Newton in Charlotte this week.
Newton rounded up the troops at WRs coach Ricky Proehl's athletic park and hosted the three-day "camp" as a tune-up for training camp next week. In addition to Benjamin, veteran receivers Jerricho Cotchery and Jason Avant were also in attendance. Beat writer Jonathan Jones observed and noted that Benjamin "struggles on routes that force him to come back to the ball" and "gets out of cuts slower than most receivers." We're not expecting a high-volume stat line from Benjamin as a rookie, but he could flirt with 6-8 scores as a red-zone specialist.


Source: Charlotte Observer
Jul 18 - 10:15 AM

 

[socrates]

[SIZE=1em]The Panthers announced this morning that Benjamin was “[/SIZE]getting a precautionary MRI[SIZE=1em]” after banging knees with a teammate in practice yesterday.[/SIZE] [SIZE=1em]http://profootballtalk.nbcsports.com/2014/07/28/kelvin-benjamin-getting-a-precautionary-mri/[/SIZE]

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Kelvin Benjamin - WR - Panthers

Panthers first-round WR Kelvin Benjamin has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee, and is day to day.

According to coach Ron Rivera, there's no structural damage, but Benjamin's knee is "inflamed." The Panthers can breathe a sigh of relief, but Benjamin is still going to miss some all-important practice time as he attempts to get up to speed as the Panthers' de facto No. 1 receiver. He'll be a boom-or-bust option as a rookie. The Panthers' offense will be in dire straits if Benjamin doesn't "boom."

Source: Joseph Person on Twitter

Jul 28 - 3:37 PM

 

[stbugs]

Rotoworld:

Kelvin Benjamin - WR - Panthers

Panthers first-round WR Kelvin Benjamin has been diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left knee, and is day to day.

According to coach Ron Rivera, there's no structural damage, but Benjamin's knee is "inflamed." The Panthers can breathe a sigh of relief, but Benjamin is still going to miss some all-important practice time as he attempts to get up to speed as the Panthers' de facto No. 1 receiver. He'll be a boom-or-bust option as a rookie. The Panthers' offense will be in dire straits if Benjamin doesn't "boom."

Source: Joseph Person on Twitter

Jul 28 - 3:37 PM

Phew, that is really good news. I don't have huge expectations for him this year, but I think he could surprise and it would be nice to actually have a red zone threat outside of Cam. The SF playoff game showed that you sell out on Cam at the goal line and no one else was even a threat to score.

 

[False Start]

Like they said, just precautionary.

 

[Faust]

Kelvin Benjamin returns to practiceExcerpt:

"I was pleased," wide receivers coach Ricky Proehl said. "He was sharp today. Looked good, catching the ball well. The misperception that Kelvin is (a) raw route runner and he has a long way to go, that's not true at all.

"He's got a great feel for the game."

Benjamin and quarterback Cam Newton quickly re-established the chemistry they developed together on their own while Newton rehabilitated from offseason ankle surgery.

Whether it was a bullet over the middle or a sideline route coming out of the end zone, it was obvious Benjamin has replaced Steve Smith as Newton's top wide receiver target.

"You see a guy who is very, very confident, very comfortable with who he is," Rivera said of Benjamin. "It's funny, to watch him in meetings and see him ... you wonder because he's so young. But then everything he's seeing and writing down, he's transferring it right back onto the field."

 

[Faust]

Kelvin Benjamin returns to Carolina Panthers practiceExcerpts:

@SteveReedAP

Panthers WR Kelvin Benjamin picking up where he left off before his injury -- catching everything in sight.

@SteveReedAP

Cam keeps going back to Benjamin. He's quickly becoming Newton's security blanket. Another catch there in team drills.

 

[Quez]

It is going to be tough for defenses to cover him & Olsen. One of the scrub WR , like Cotchery could end up benefiting.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

@PriscoCBS: By the talk coming out of Carolina, maybe I was way wrong on Kelvin Benjamin. I thought it would take time. Didn't love the pick.

 

[NCCommish]

It is going to be tough for defenses to cover him & Olsen. One of the scrub WR , like Cotchery could end up benefiting.

TE's Dickinson and Williams are also both having pretty good camps.

 

[NCCommish]

I really think all those bust of the draft guys are going to be proven wrong. Everything you hear is Benjamin wants to be good and puts in the work to get there.

 

[Faust]

Sorensen: First-rounder Kelvin Benjamin snagging everything nearby

http://www.charlotteobserver.com/2014/08/02/5082648/sorensen-first-rounder-kelvin.html#.U9-Ha8u9KSO

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I really think all those bust of the draft guys are going to be proven wrong. Everything you hear is Benjamin wants to be good and puts in the work to get there.

I agree. Benjamin has the size and talent to be special. Cam finally has a #1WR.

 

[Adam Harstad]

I really think all those bust of the draft guys are going to be proven wrong. Everything you hear is Benjamin wants to be good and puts in the work to get there.

I agree. Benjamin has the size and talent to be special. Cam finally has a #1WR.

Finally? I know Smith was a step slow last year, but he did put up 1400 yards Newton's rookie year, 1200 yards Newton's sophomore year, and was a big part of the reason Cam was able to come in and put up such huge numbers right away.

 

[False Start]

I really think all those bust of the draft guys are going to be proven wrong. Everything you hear is Benjamin wants to be good and puts in the work to get there.

I agree. Benjamin has the size and talent to be special. Cam finally has a #1WR.

He has the potential to but up the biggest stats this year for any rookie WR, him or Cooks.

Benjamin situation is as primo as it gets for rookie WR, Pro Bowl QB with very few passing options and a running game that still keeps people honest with a boat load of talent. He is getting the Keenan Allen treatment, and we have seen how correct those Experts were.

Benjamin fell to the 2nd round in some rookie drafts because of things the experts say, but experts are not experts, they are just "People on TV, radio or a Website with opinions."

 

[False Start]

I really think all those bust of the draft guys are going to be proven wrong. Everything you hear is Benjamin wants to be good and puts in the work to get there.

I agree. Benjamin has the size and talent to be special. Cam finally has a #1WR.

Finally? I know Smith was a step slow last year, but he did put up 1400 yards Newton's rookie year, 1200 yards Newton's sophomore year, and was a big part of the reason Cam was able to come in and put up such huge numbers right away.

The problem was not Steve Smiths talent, Steve Smith was a #1 WR without question in Carolina. It was his desire and anger with the front office that made Smith not want to give it his all last year.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I really think all those bust of the draft guys are going to be proven wrong. Everything you hear is Benjamin wants to be good and puts in the work to get there.

I agree. Benjamin has the size and talent to be special. Cam finally has a #1WR.

Finally? I know Smith was a step slow last year, but he did put up 1400 yards Newton's rookie year, 1200 yards Newton's sophomore year, and was a big part of the reason Cam was able to come in and put up such huge numbers right away.

It just seems like forever ago that Cam had the special rookie season. Finally I guess, means a very long time to wait.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

I really think all those bust of the draft guys are going to be proven wrong. Everything you hear is Benjamin wants to be good and puts in the work to get there.

I agree. Benjamin has the size and talent to be special. Cam finally has a #1WR.

He has the potential to but up the biggest stats this year for any rookie WR, him or Cooks.

Benjamin situation is as primo as it gets for rookie WR, Pro Bowl QB with very few passing options and a running game that still keeps people honest with a boat load of talent. He is getting the Keenan Allen treatment, and we have seen how correct those Experts were.

Benjamin fell to the 2nd round in some rookie drafts because of things the experts say, but experts are not experts, they are just "People on TV, radio or a Website with opinions."

I didn't love the pick for Carolina when they took him in the first round. Heard all the negative buzz and the pundits calling Benjamin a reach. In a similar way, wasn't too enamored with drafting him at 2.03 of my rookie draft even though I own Cam. Just very happy to see the young man start to figure it out. I agree he's in a perfect storm situation his rookie year. Should get plenty of targets to work with and I know Cam will do his part. Just needs to capitalize on those targets.

 

[Faust]

Rotoworld:

Kelvin Benjamin - WR - Panthers

Kelvin Benjamin had a 29-yard touchdown in Friday night's preseason opener against the Bills.

Benjamin played exclusively with the first-team offense and beat Stephon Gilmore on a fly route for his touchdown. He started in a one-wide sets, meaning he's already Carolina's best blocking receiver. It also means Benjamin is going to play more snaps than any other Panthers wideout. Benjamin is a value pick at his current 11th-round ADP. He has eight-plus touchdown potential as the No. 2 option behind Greg Olson.

Aug 8 - 9:15 PM

 

[NCCommish]

Rotoworld:

Kelvin Benjamin - WR - Panthers

Kelvin Benjamin had a 29-yard touchdown in Friday night's preseason opener against the Bills.

Benjamin played exclusively with the first-team offense and beat Stephon Gilmore on a fly route for his touchdown. He started in a one-wide sets, meaning he's already Carolina's best blocking receiver. It also means Benjamin is going to play more snaps than any other Panthers wideout. Benjamin is a value pick at his current 11th-round ADP. He has eight-plus touchdown potential as the No. 2 option behind Greg Olson.

Aug 8 - 9:15 PM

This really doesn't describe the catch he made. He got his feet tangled a bit and was falling to the ground when he reached around Gilmore to make the catch. It was a very impressive display of his abilities. A lot of receivers never get their hands on that ball.

 

[steveski]

Pretty shocked to see all the news on him being so positive and then seeing it with my own eyes. This guy had more question marks associated with him than anybody else drafted anywhere near him, yet he is starting to look like the most complete and NFL ready out of all of them.

 

[Raiderfan32904]

Very impressive catch by Benjamin in the end zone. Looked like he fell to the ground and used the off arm to get his bearings back and vacuum in the ball off his rebound. Great concentration to make that catch. Looked a lot like an earlier catch by Alshon Jeffrey that they showed was nullified on penalty.

 

[Ilov80s]

Pretty shocked to see all the news on him being so positive and then seeing it with my own eyes. This guy had more question marks associated with him than anybody else drafted anywhere near him, yet he is starting to look like the most complete and NFL ready out of all of them.

He looks like a huge redraft value. If he is the top Carolina WR and can be the RZ threat that Smith never could, it seems like he could have a Keenan Allen/Marques Colston type rookie year. Like those guys, he can be had for almost nothing.

 

[NCCommish]

Pretty shocked to see all the news on him being so positive and then seeing it with my own eyes. This guy had more question marks associated with him than anybody else drafted anywhere near him, yet he is starting to look like the most complete and NFL ready out of all of them.

He has done nothing but work his butt off since he got here. Has glued himself to Cam and they have really bonded. As a fan I am thrilled.

 

[Faust]

'Smoo' or 'Schmoo,' it's sweet for Benjamin:

http://espn.go.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/7857/smoo-or-schmoo-its-sweet-for-benjamin

 

[Faust]

Panthers' Kelvin Benjamin praised after acrobatic TD:

http://www.nfl.com/news/story/0ap3000000376232/article/panthers-kelvin-benjamin-praised-after-acrobatic-td

 

[Quez]

We all knew he could make the jump balls but this was a low one. He had to track the ball over his right shoulder, and stretch his arms all the way out after quickly readjusting from the trip.

 

[NCCommish]

We all knew he could make the jump balls but this was a low one. He had to track the ball over his right shoulder, and stretch his arms all the way out after quickly readjusting from the trip.

He showed impressive balance and concentration on that catch. Everything I see from camp makes me very happy we grabbed him. He's still a rookie which means he will make mistakes and struggle at times but I think he has all the tools and desire to be a star in this league for years to come. Not to mention he and Cam seem to have great chemistry.

 

[Quez]

So far Benjamin and Watkins have the 2 best catches I have seen this season. Watkins made a nasty 1 handed grab in practice yesterday.

 

[FDC]

Josh Norris pre draft top 200

38. WR Kelvin Benjamin, FSU

NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress

Where He Wins: Huge frame and length to win at the catch point in contested situations. Very good body control to slow down, time catch, and contort frame to haul in a catch. Long strides allow him to get downfield. Unafraid to work across the middle on deep posts. Able to make adjustments with the ball in the air that other receivers can’t. Displays strength after the catch.

 

[stbugs]

Josh Norris pre draft top 200

38. WR Kelvin Benjamin, FSU

NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress

Where He Wins: Huge frame and length to win at the catch point in contested situations. Very good body control to slow down, time catch, and contort frame to haul in a catch. Long strides allow him to get downfield. Unafraid to work across the middle on deep posts. Able to make adjustments with the ball in the air that other receivers can’t. Displays strength after the catch.

Not sure how many total targets he will get, but I think he is going to be the main red zone target this year, so I am definitely high on him for TDs. The Panthers have no real red zone threat as a RB/WR/TE other than Benjamin. Tolbert is a big back, so he will get a few, but even he has less rushing TDs the past two years than Newton. Benjamin's size and the his strengths above really lend itself well to catching TDs.

I think it was posted a few times, but I would almost be shocked if he doesn't catch 8 TDs this year. That is assuming he is healthy and starting like it seems like he is.

 

[NCCommish]

Josh Norris pre draft top 200

38. WR Kelvin Benjamin, FSU

NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress

Where He Wins: Huge frame and length to win at the catch point in contested situations. Very good body control to slow down, time catch, and contort frame to haul in a catch. Long strides allow him to get downfield. Unafraid to work across the middle on deep posts. Able to make adjustments with the ball in the air that other receivers can’t. Displays strength after the catch.

Not sure how many total targets he will get, but I think he is going to be the main red zone target this year, so I am definitely high on him for TDs. The Panthers have no real red zone threat as a RB/WR/TE other than Benjamin. Tolbert is a big back, so he will get a few, but even he has less rushing TDs the past two years than Newton. Benjamin's size and the his strengths above really lend itself well to catching TDs.

I think it was posted a few times, but I would almost be shocked if he doesn't catch 8 TDs this year. That is assuming he is healthy and starting like it seems like he is.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was ten or better. I think they are going to give him a ton of chances in the red zone.

 

[werdnoynek]

I was very bearish on him as a prospect and throughout the draft process. I thought Evans or Bryant were better "big" guys.

It's been all good news from then on and I don't think anyone could deny his stock has risen the most out of the WR's in this class save a couple late round flyers. I think he'll be a great late round guy in redraft given the other people vying for targets in Carolina this season. I'm really coming around on his dynasty outlook as well. But I'm definitely a bit late on that end... will have a hard time trying to grab him now.

 

[FDC]

Josh Norris pre draft top 200

38. WR Kelvin Benjamin, FSU

NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress

Where He Wins: Huge frame and length to win at the catch point in contested situations. Very good body control to slow down, time catch, and contort frame to haul in a catch. Long strides allow him to get downfield. Unafraid to work across the middle on deep posts. Able to make adjustments with the ball in the air that other receivers can’t. Displays strength after the catch.

Not sure how many total targets he will get, but I think he is going to be the main red zone target this year, so I am definitely high on him for TDs. The Panthers have no real red zone threat as a RB/WR/TE other than Benjamin. Tolbert is a big back, so he will get a few, but even he has less rushing TDs the past two years than Newton. Benjamin's size and the his strengths above really lend itself well to catching TDs.

I think it was posted a few times, but I would almost be shocked if he doesn't catch 8 TDs this year. That is assuming he is healthy and starting like it seems like he is.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was ten or better. I think they are going to give him a ton of chances in the red zone.

I'm optimistic too but lets keep in mind how rare 10+ is for a rookie. It would be a surprise historically speaking.

 

[Hoss Style]

I'm trying to work a trade for this guy right now in a Keeper league. The opportunity in Carolina is juicy, and the more I see of this kid, the more I like.

 

[NCCommish]

Josh Norris pre draft top 200

38. WR Kelvin Benjamin, FSU

NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress

Where He Wins: Huge frame and length to win at the catch point in contested situations. Very good body control to slow down, time catch, and contort frame to haul in a catch. Long strides allow him to get downfield. Unafraid to work across the middle on deep posts. Able to make adjustments with the ball in the air that other receivers can’t. Displays strength after the catch.

Not sure how many total targets he will get, but I think he is going to be the main red zone target this year, so I am definitely high on him for TDs. The Panthers have no real red zone threat as a RB/WR/TE other than Benjamin. Tolbert is a big back, so he will get a few, but even he has less rushing TDs the past two years than Newton. Benjamin's size and the his strengths above really lend itself well to catching TDs.

I think it was posted a few times, but I would almost be shocked if he doesn't catch 8 TDs this year. That is assuming he is healthy and starting like it seems like he is.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was ten or better. I think they are going to give him a ton of chances in the red zone.

I'm optimistic too but lets keep in mind how rare 10+ is for a rookie. It would be a surprise historically speaking.

I think it will be more a function of how he will be used. You just look at the camp practices where the drill was learning how to throw jump balls into the end zone for KB and it makes me think they plan to do it a bit. Of course you have to get in the red zone first so who knows.

 

[Faust]

Benjamin is the star of Panthers camp:

http://espn.go.com/blog/carolina-panthers/post/_/id/7935/benjamin-is-the-star-of-panthers-camp

 

[(HULK)]

I hate it when Eminence is right, but I'm starting to think he is on this one.

 

[NCCommish]

I hate it when Eminence is right, but I'm starting to think he is on this one.

A broke clock is right twice a day but you don't want to live by it.

 

[Quez]

I was with Eminence all along. I'm still confused as to why so many people unquestioned ranking Mike Evans above him.

 

[soothsayer]

Josh Norris pre draft top 200

38. WR Kelvin Benjamin, FSU

NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress

Where He Wins: Huge frame and length to win at the catch point in contested situations. Very good body control to slow down, time catch, and contort frame to haul in a catch. Long strides allow him to get downfield. Unafraid to work across the middle on deep posts. Able to make adjustments with the ball in the air that other receivers can’t. Displays strength after the catch.

Not sure how many total targets he will get, but I think he is going to be the main red zone target this year, so I am definitely high on him for TDs. The Panthers have no real red zone threat as a RB/WR/TE other than Benjamin. Tolbert is a big back, so he will get a few, but even he has less rushing TDs the past two years than Newton. Benjamin's size and the his strengths above really lend itself well to catching TDs.

I think it was posted a few times, but I would almost be shocked if he doesn't catch 8 TDs this year. That is assuming he is healthy and starting like it seems like he is.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was ten or better. I think they are going to give him a ton of chances in the red zone.

This has to be considered good news for Greg Olsen. They won't just keep force-feeding the rookie - but they will certainly let the rookie open things up in the RZ for the veteran TE.

 

[NCCommish]

Josh Norris pre draft top 200

38. WR Kelvin Benjamin, FSU

NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress

Where He Wins: Huge frame and length to win at the catch point in contested situations. Very good body control to slow down, time catch, and contort frame to haul in a catch. Long strides allow him to get downfield. Unafraid to work across the middle on deep posts. Able to make adjustments with the ball in the air that other receivers can’t. Displays strength after the catch.

Not sure how many total targets he will get, but I think he is going to be the main red zone target this year, so I am definitely high on him for TDs. The Panthers have no real red zone threat as a RB/WR/TE other than Benjamin. Tolbert is a big back, so he will get a few, but even he has less rushing TDs the past two years than Newton. Benjamin's size and the his strengths above really lend itself well to catching TDs.

I think it was posted a few times, but I would almost be shocked if he doesn't catch 8 TDs this year. That is assuming he is healthy and starting like it seems like he is.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was ten or better. I think they are going to give him a ton of chances in the red zone.

This has to be considered good news for Greg Olsen. They won't just keep force-feeding the rookie - but they will certainly let the rookie open things up in the RZ for the veteran TE.

I agree. Benjamin should certainly help Olsen's already pretty decent numbers. And I look forward to seeing a personnel group on the field that includes Olsen, Benjamin, Dickson and Williams as the receivers. That is one huge set of receivers. I believe no one in that group is under 6'4". And they all can catch. That should create major matchup nightmares.

 

[stbugs]

Josh Norris pre draft top 200

38. WR Kelvin Benjamin, FSU

NFL Comparison: Plaxico Burress

Where He Wins: Huge frame and length to win at the catch point in contested situations. Very good body control to slow down, time catch, and contort frame to haul in a catch. Long strides allow him to get downfield. Unafraid to work across the middle on deep posts. Able to make adjustments with the ball in the air that other receivers can’t. Displays strength after the catch.

Not sure how many total targets he will get, but I think he is going to be the main red zone target this year, so I am definitely high on him for TDs. The Panthers have no real red zone threat as a RB/WR/TE other than Benjamin. Tolbert is a big back, so he will get a few, but even he has less rushing TDs the past two years than Newton. Benjamin's size and the his strengths above really lend itself well to catching TDs.

I think it was posted a few times, but I would almost be shocked if he doesn't catch 8 TDs this year. That is assuming he is healthy and starting like it seems like he is.

I wouldn't be surprised if it was ten or better. I think they are going to give him a ton of chances in the red zone.

This has to be considered good news for Greg Olsen. They won't just keep force-feeding the rookie - but they will certainly let the rookie open things up in the RZ for the veteran TE.

I wouldn't expect any increase for Olsen in the RZ at all, in fact, I would expect Benjamin to not benefit Olsen. I think he takes away opportunities. Olsen has never been a RZ threat. In 7 years, Olsen has one year with more than 6 TDs and that was only 8 TDs back in 2009. 5 of his 7 years were 5 TDs or less, so Olsen isn't what I would consider a TD TE. I don't think Olsen will surpass his total from 2013, unless Cam's overall TDs go up a bunch and with their defense, that isn't likely.