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RB Trey Benson, ARZ (1 Viewer)
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BIRDGANG52
Footballguy
Cardinals fan here. I couldn't be more excited for Trey Benson. My only concern is that he's coming into the league with a severe right knee injury that included a torn ACL, MCL, lateral and medial meniscus plus a torn gracilis tendon (hamstring). It's one of those situations where he probably has less threshold than most other players to suffer another significant injury. The fact that he was still an early 3rd Round Pick speaks to his physical talent.
I see a poor man's Adrian Peterson. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash which is actually faster than that guy in Cincinnati everyone loves (Chase Brown, 4.43) and equal to what Adrian Peterson ran (4.40). So he's in that tier of RB with freakish athleticism. Benson has a bag of tricks too. He's got shiftiness, a nice juke move, and the size to beat you up physically (6 ft, 216 lbs).
Let him sit behind James Conner as long as it's needed. James Conner has earned it and I'm in no rush to waste carries on our Rookie with a history of significant knee injury when this year is unlikely to result in a playoff berth. But he has to be one of the most tantalizing prospects in the league, not sure why people have Johnathan Brooks over him coming off his own ACL tear. I agree that Johnathan Brooks is more talented, but Trey Benson tore his ACL 4 years ago. We already know that he fully recovered, it's still speculative with the other guy.
I see a poor man's Adrian Peterson. He ran a 4.39 40-yard dash which is actually faster than that guy in Cincinnati everyone loves (Chase Brown, 4.43) and equal to what Adrian Peterson ran (4.40). So he's in that tier of RB with freakish athleticism. Benson has a bag of tricks too. He's got shiftiness, a nice juke move, and the size to beat you up physically (6 ft, 216 lbs).
Let him sit behind James Conner as long as it's needed. James Conner has earned it and I'm in no rush to waste carries on our Rookie with a history of significant knee injury when this year is unlikely to result in a playoff berth. But he has to be one of the most tantalizing prospects in the league, not sure why people have Johnathan Brooks over him coming off his own ACL tear. I agree that Johnathan Brooks is more talented, but Trey Benson tore his ACL 4 years ago. We already know that he fully recovered, it's still speculative with the other guy.
RaidersAreOne
Footballguy
I drafted Benson as a handcuff to Conner, who seemingly always misses some time. Is he a promising potential RB in that situation?
yeah. I know. but the thing about Conner, hes seems to miss a couple games each year. so once that happens, the kid will likely get his shot. if he blows the doors off when opportunity knocks (and I think hes capable) then Connor may find himself unable to regain the starting job.
for now, the job is his (as I suspected) but the kid is getting better so its hard to figure how long Conner will be able to hold off the challenge.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
He didn’t look very good in the preseason.
RaidersAreOne
Footballguy
Conner or Benson?
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Benson.
well, that is not a good sign. good thing I didnt buy any shares of him.
BIRDGANG52
Footballguy
What's our stance on this? Half the time someone mentions it we say, "it's just preseason" and the other half of the time it's all, "this guy can't even produce in pre-season?". Kind of like how YPC matters except when it doesn't. Seems like cherrypicking and/or confirmation bias.
I'm sure I do it too, it just gets really cloudy with all these different opinions going back and forth. Like we all can't even agree whether or not we take preseason into account or not? Chase Brown is only averaging 2.0 YPC in preseason, but if I posted about it in his thread, I'd have 10 guys running after me with angry pitchforks.
Big Nate
Footballguy
I was surprised by this. I thought he would look better as well. I have avoided him so far in rookie drafts as I felt his ADP was too high. I'm unlikely to own any shares as a result.
Could he still do well in the NFL - sure but it may take some time.
But with RBs in general sometimes all it takes is to be given the starter role and they will surprise. Look at Kyren Williams once he got his shot. Took a year but it happened. I'll never say never but Benson's cost and hype was at a point that was too high for me. Maybe I will regret it but what can I do.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Here’s the thing with Benson: he’s running behind one of the best RB in the NFL.
But he’s been drafted as the heir apparent.
So a LOT of buzz built on him. That said, this was not a banner draft for RB. Prior to the draft nobody was excited about this RB class.
Not until landing spots were known. Benson’s landing spot gave him rookie draft juice in dynasty leagues.
Whether we can truly glean anything about his potential from a handful of carries in the preseason is TBD. I don’t believe it fair to do so. I just commented on what I saw - he didn’t look great.
And that Benson not looking great isn’t the same as Chase not looking great. Chase has already shown ability in the NFL, and is the incumbent.
Interestingly Benson had a similar RAS score to Chase (9.78 vs 9.8)
But that brings us back to Conner. As long as Conner is healthy, I expect AZ to run him into the ground. Dude balled out last year, and I believe he has another good year in him.
Everyone says “Conner misses a few games every year” - he has,
Benson is a fine back of the bench redraft player in case Conner gets hurt. He’s also a fine dynasty lottery pick.
But if Conner stays healthy, I don’t see him being FF relevant this year. His ADP on draft calc is 112, 9th round. That’s way too early for my tastes.
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Connor played in 13/17 games last year. His healthiest year was his first year in Ari; he played in 15/16 games.
Hot Sauce Guy
Footballguy
Ah - so he did.
That said he also carried me to a championship in a 16 team league I did a deadline deal for him and he came through with 26 & 27 carries in the last 2 games (playoff/lcg)
Ministry of Pain
Footballguy
Connor suited up for 13 games in 2022 and again 13 games in 2023
Like him or not, Benson is likely to see meaningful touches as some point in 2024
Like him or not, Benson is likely to see meaningful touches as some point in 2024
I agree. it may only be a game or two.
but I think what happens is they will give him a cup of coffee at some point. Conner should be nearing the end of the contract so thats likely the tipping point.
I agree. they will run him into the ground and then just switch RB when Connor gets hurt.
its the Next man up mentality.
BIRDGANG52
Footballguy
Birds fan here, even if Connor doesn't get hurt he is not under contract after this season. Cardinals aren't going to make the playoffs (sorry to say), so I would fully expect them to give Trey Benson a chance to put some tape out there, so they have a better understanding of what we have and if we want to resign Connor or not.
Connor likes playing for the Cardinals, but if we can get similar production on a rookie deal, well that's smart GMing.
I think the Cards offense will be improved this year. but I will be honest, I dont know how the defense is looking, but if they can play at least average, I think they have a shot at a wildcard spot.
Was Benson
Sorry but I but very little stock in preseason games. I've gotten burned enough times to make zero decisions based on preseason. I think it's better to look at a players metrics and compare them with his peers for one example. He passed the test for me. Post script: Yes, I own Connors and I'm in a dynasty league.
What you were you expecting?
zamboni
Footballguy
Agreed. It was never supposed to be anything but Conner's show this year. Benson's value is a handcuff in a very good offense in case Conner gets hurt, as he has often done. And even more value in keeper/dynasty leagues.
He hasn't shown much. Very tentative.
Was just dropped in one league where I"m a Conner owner. Hate to clog up the roster, but I'm going to get my Conner insurance policy. Nobody else is going to pick him up.
zamboni
Footballguy
I'm not enough of a scout to say how he's looked, but hard to assess after only 15 carries in his career. Good move to handcuff Conner for free.
VikingFrog
Footballguy
I didn’t get to watch this last game, but Conner and the running game couldn’t get going at all.
Stealthycat
Footballguy
Conner UFA after this year - it'll be the Benson show
zamboni
Footballguy
That's why I drafted him in my deep keeper league. Anything this year is gravy, but hoping they hand him the reins next year.
We will see, my gut says he signs a team friendly deal this off-season. And next year is committee.
Same to the bolded. I do recall he looked tentative in week one of preseason but started looking better to me after that.
Now I think it's fair to say he's not looked like say Braelon Allen or even Bucking Irving and if he had he'd probably force the Cardinals hand to play him more but I had no illusions from the day they drafted him that it was Conners backfield for 2024, while healthy of course.
Which brings me to....
This was my expectation when I was drafting him a few times in round one of my rookie drafts.
It is possible they bring Conner back, Gannon really loves the guy.
I'll add that that last year I spent a hefty amount of picks on Kendre Miller as Kamara's heir apparent. My thoughts on that was Kamara was guaranteed to be the main guy in 2023, slight chance they'd move on for 2024, but for sure gone afterwards. None of that may work out with Kendre's lack of availability to this point being the main problem.
I'll just say that if one of these two don't hit I'm probably out on spending decent first round draft capital on "RB's in waiting".
LawFitz
Footballguy
The instant gratification demands on rookies is always interesting to behold. I do it too, don't get me wrong. So much easier to see when you're on the outside looking in, tho. I was high on Benson too, but don't have any investment in him, so it's easier to see/say... It's only been three games, people!
markrc99
Footballguy
Same here, really like the situation. Cut higher than I like, a bit leggy. Looks a lot like Jaylen Wright to me. I like him more as a receiver & a scheme that attacks the perimeter. Most sources like his change of direction, but it appears to be more of the jump-cut variety rather than the sink, plant & explode. Very effective stiff-arm, but the fighting for additional yardage, when it's over I want guys that get down. Check Carson Steele's week 3 tape. It's early on, I want to say his 4th carry? The play was to run up inside & there's nothing there so he attempts to get wide. But he has several defenders hanging onto him & he gets spun around. He's totally defenseless & it's the same every time. That 3rd tackler arrives like a lit torpedo & Steele takes a major crack to the head.
Perhaps something was said during or after the broadcast but it would be news to me. Not to suggest I have some concuss-me-bro alert app on my handheld. To me, this is one that should have or should be reviewed. Not talking intent in any way, but the level of viciousness we see sometimes.... James Conner, I don't know. I'm looking to add Benson on Saturday in one league, Miami plays on Monday night.
I live in Phoenix and try to watch the Cardinals games. I drafted Benson and still have him stashed. Why? Well I know it is Conners backfield. Until he is hurt. And a big part of Conners game is aggression. The team likes it because he adds a taste of toughness to the run game. He throws himself into tackles. Admirable.
He also missed 4.5 games last year, is now 29, and carries 230 pounds around. Don't get me wrong I think he is an RB1 when he plays. But..... I think Benson is pretty good too and will get his chance.
He also missed 4.5 games last year, is now 29, and carries 230 pounds around. Don't get me wrong I think he is an RB1 when he plays. But..... I think Benson is pretty good too and will get his chance.
Big Nate
Footballguy
Reminder to everyone during the offseason when the rookie hype is out the roof - go buy good vet RBs for cheap if you are a contender in dynasty.
Maybe you can pick up a vet RB for a 2nd rounder and ride him all year. What is a 2nd if you get a year or maybe 2 out of a vet RB?
higgins
Footballguy
While Conner is a FA after this year, I can totally see AZ re-sign him to a bargain 2-yr deal — their offense has essentially been running thru Conner this season.
OTOH, JKD is also a FA — will the LAC resign him? At some point, you’ve got to either (1) take these hypotheticals & lay a stake as to how things play out, or (2) take the evidence of what you see from the players now & roll with how you view their talent.
Personally, I stick w/ JKD — and this is coming from someone that has each of these players mentioned in a dynasty.
greenmountaingoat
Footballguy
Dynasty question- what are the odds of ever being a plug and play back end RB1? Above 60% I haven't watched much Cards this year. I'm considering trying to buy on a team that is (realistically) on the outside looking in but has a puncher's chance. Another owner wants Puka and has dangled Olave, Pitts and a 2 which by value is a plus but it's a short bench league and Olave is redundant with G Wilson/ MHJ/ London/ JSN/ Shaheed etc. Thinking of countering Olave/ Benson or even some combo of Benson/ Bucky I / Corum since I'm super thin at RB adn have a young team.
If Benson can be a buy low candidate, he can be the main injury hedge vs a guy with huge upside like Puka.
If Benson can be a buy low candidate, he can be the main injury hedge vs a guy with huge upside like Puka.
Krilons Resa
Footballguy
Top 3 RB stash imo.
There are so many this year due to the lack of injuries at the RB position.
There are so many this year due to the lack of injuries at the RB position.
Boone22
Footballguy
Cardinals are signing RB James Conner to a two-year, $19 million contract extension, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Conner was set to hit free agency after the season, but Arizona decided to lock him up before it came to that. The 29-year-old running back is 15th in scrimmage yards with 993 in 11 games so far this season. While it’s unclear how much of Conner’s deal is guaranteed, it’s unlikely that the extension for the two-time pro bowler will cause significant salary cap issues for Arizona in the future. This extension seals last year’s third round pick Trey Benson’s fate as purely a handcuff for at least another year.
Conner was set to hit free agency after the season, but Arizona decided to lock him up before it came to that. The 29-year-old running back is 15th in scrimmage yards with 993 in 11 games so far this season. While it’s unclear how much of Conner’s deal is guaranteed, it’s unlikely that the extension for the two-time pro bowler will cause significant salary cap issues for Arizona in the future. This extension seals last year’s third round pick Trey Benson’s fate as purely a handcuff for at least another year.
ShamrockPride
Footballguy
Meh, Conner's still the same injury prone dude. One season doesn't change that, and he's hitting 30 in a minute.
Idk if we'll see Benson as a workhorse with him around, but I'd imagine the next 2 years see a near 50/50 split next year into a Benson 60/40% split in 2 years.
Idk if we'll see Benson as a workhorse with him around, but I'd imagine the next 2 years see a near 50/50 split next year into a Benson 60/40% split in 2 years.
zamboni
Footballguy
Or they bring in even more competition given the very strong and deep RB class next year.
Mentioned this in the Kendre or Kamara thread back when Kamara resigned.
I'm out on spending the kind of draft capital I spent on Kendre and Benson on idea they were RB's in waiting. I took both a lot, thankfully exited out on Benson once already. It's helped that some of the Kendre and Benson teams have Kamara/Conner and that situation I might repeat if I just am stuck picking and don't like anything on the board but otherwise I’m out on spending this kind of capital on third round or later type RB's who I don't think have a realistic shot at usurping the current starter. The idea behind them was you hold them a year or two until the incumbent leaves. Learned the hard way, out on this approach.
I'm out on spending the kind of draft capital I spent on Kendre and Benson on idea they were RB's in waiting. I took both a lot, thankfully exited out on Benson once already. It's helped that some of the Kendre and Benson teams have Kamara/Conner and that situation I might repeat if I just am stuck picking and don't like anything on the board but otherwise I’m out on spending this kind of capital on third round or later type RB's who I don't think have a realistic shot at usurping the current starter. The idea behind them was you hold them a year or two until the incumbent leaves. Learned the hard way, out on this approach.
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