Why is Cedric Benson ranked so low? (1 Viewer)

[duaneok66]

To go back a step further, in college Benson averaged 56 yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry against Oklahoma, the best defense he would face each year. And in bowl games he averaged 66 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Coming out of college I believed he was overrated and overhyped and I think that is still true now. The way he has played and acted in the NFL in his first two years I doubt he would even be getting the chance he is if he wasn't a top 5 pick.

That's all well and good but the bottom line is he WAS a first round pick and he WILL be given the chance. Let's have everyone set aside their personal hatred for this guy and realize the following:

He is the starting running back for a team with a great defense that likes to run the ball A LOT.

Bingo. That's it. If that isn't enough to make you realize there could be some big value there then I'm not sure you have any business playing fantasy football.

You can certainly argue he is going to get hurt (though I've rarely been one to predict injuries and doing so here strikes me as a tad foolish), or you can argue he will flop miserably once handed the job.

Does anyone here see him being less than mediocre? What's the absolute lowest ypc some of you critics are projecting for him?

outstanding post . . .

 

[duaneok66]

To go back a step further, in college Benson averaged 56 yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry against Oklahoma, the best defense he would face each year. And in bowl games he averaged 66 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Coming out of college I believed he was overrated and overhyped and I think that is still true now. The way he has played and acted in the NFL in his first two years I doubt he would even be getting the chance he is if he wasn't a top 5 pick.

I don't even know where to start with this post....

Start wherever you would like. The guy has been in the NFL for 2 years now and has been hurt both years and did not distinguish himself when he did play. I'm not saying he is not worth drafting, but I am not allowed to think he is vastly overrated and will not perform well as the unquestioned starter? Do you really have him ranked #4 among RBs?

Benson Player Spotlight1. In college, Benson's Oklahoma numbers are poor, and deservedly so. He didn't play hardly at all in the game as a freshman (The Roy Williams diving on Chris Simms game) b/c Mack Brown didn't trust a freshman in the backfield. The Longhorns offense was HORRIBLE in the 4 years Benson was there. In one game, however, Chris Simms had two rushing TDs. In another, Mock/Vince turned the ball over so fast Texas never was in the game as the Sooners racked up 550 yards of offense, and in another Benson accounted for 92 of the teams 150 yards. There's a LOT more to it then just saying Benson played poorly.

2. His bowl games are equally more complicated. THe Longhorn Rose Bowl win Benson's senior season was a run-heavy game for Texas. The team ran 46 times for 264 yards, mostly on the spread option where Vince goes wide or Benson goes up the middle depending on where the DE/OLB is. 23/70 rushing up the gut every time is hardy a bad day, especially when you win the Rose Bowl. As a junior, Benson had a fine day in a Holiday Bowl loss - 22 for 87 and a TD. As a sophomore in had 12 for 51 in a game where rushes were split with Selvin YOung and Roy Williams was the main cog in the wheel after the Longhorns had fallen behind early. He didn't play in the Holiday Bowl as a Freshman.

3. Coming out of college, he was the 4th leading rusher in NCAA history and a proven tough, up the middle runner. He had consecutive campaigns of 20+ TDs and generated 60% of his yards after first contact. His frame and speed were with in line with some of the best runners in the NFL.

4. His NFL career has been nowhere near as bad as you imagine. Last season, his YPC was identical to Thomas Jones despite having far fewer outside runs called. Similarly, as the season wore on, Benson was given more carries (and more then Jones in the last few weeks) and produced admirably. In games where Benson was "carrying the load", he averaged 4.42 ypc. For 300 carries, for example, that's 1300+ yards on the ground.

I have him ranked #4 for some very simple and indisputable reasons: (1) he's the expected workhorse. I'll eat my hat if Garrett Wolfe or Adrian Peterson combined have more then 100 touches barring a Benson injury. (2) he's on a run heavy team with an offense tailored to Benson's strengths. (3) I've been following Benson, literally game by game, for the last 9 years and feel confident that his skills are as good now as ever. He is a beast and two years of uneven production doesn't undo that.

I think your peronsal man love for Ced is clouding your judgement. Rank him in the top 12 if ya want. But placing him at #4 overall is just silly. And I know that is where you rank him, not necessarily where you would draft him.

Why?? Because his rankings should be similar to everyone else's??Was Willie Parker a 1st round pick last year?? How about Frank Gore??

 

[BigRed]

Why?? Because his rankings should be similar to everyone else's??

If you don't know why he doesn't merit a #4 ranking overall, go back and read through this thread - although you really shouldn't need to.

 

[duaneok66]

Why?? Because his rankings should be similar to everyone else's??

If you don't know why he doesn't merit a #4 ranking overall, go back and read through this thread - although you really shouldn't need to.

it was a rhetorical question . . .

 

[(HULK)]

Why?? Because his rankings should be similar to everyone else's??

If you don't know why he doesn't merit a #4 ranking overall, go back and read through this thread - although you really shouldn't need to.

You miss his point. Did Frank Gore merit a #4 overall ranking last preseason? Nope. But thats where he finished.

 

[Frenchy Fuqua]

While his preseason rushing numbers aren't impressive Benson does have 5 receptions in about 3 quarters of football. For those in PPR leagues this is an unexpected boost.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

To go back a step further, in college Benson averaged 56 yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry against Oklahoma, the best defense he would face each year. And in bowl games he averaged 66 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Coming out of college I believed he was overrated and overhyped and I think that is still true now. The way he has played and acted in the NFL in his first two years I doubt he would even be getting the chance he is if he wasn't a top 5 pick.

I don't even know where to start with this post....

Start wherever you would like. The guy has been in the NFL for 2 years now and has been hurt both years and did not distinguish himself when he did play. I'm not saying he is not worth drafting, but I am not allowed to think he is vastly overrated and will not perform well as the unquestioned starter? Do you really have him ranked #4 among RBs?

Benson Player Spotlight1. In college, Benson's Oklahoma numbers are poor, and deservedly so. He didn't play hardly at all in the game as a freshman (The Roy Williams diving on Chris Simms game) b/c Mack Brown didn't trust a freshman in the backfield. The Longhorns offense was HORRIBLE in the 4 years Benson was there. In one game, however, Chris Simms had two rushing TDs. In another, Mock/Vince turned the ball over so fast Texas never was in the game as the Sooners racked up 550 yards of offense, and in another Benson accounted for 92 of the teams 150 yards. There's a LOT more to it then just saying Benson played poorly.

2. His bowl games are equally more complicated. THe Longhorn Rose Bowl win Benson's senior season was a run-heavy game for Texas. The team ran 46 times for 264 yards, mostly on the spread option where Vince goes wide or Benson goes up the middle depending on where the DE/OLB is. 23/70 rushing up the gut every time is hardy a bad day, especially when you win the Rose Bowl. As a junior, Benson had a fine day in a Holiday Bowl loss - 22 for 87 and a TD. As a sophomore in had 12 for 51 in a game where rushes were split with Selvin YOung and Roy Williams was the main cog in the wheel after the Longhorns had fallen behind early. He didn't play in the Holiday Bowl as a Freshman.

3. Coming out of college, he was the 4th leading rusher in NCAA history and a proven tough, up the middle runner. He had consecutive campaigns of 20+ TDs and generated 60% of his yards after first contact. His frame and speed were with in line with some of the best runners in the NFL.

4. His NFL career has been nowhere near as bad as you imagine. Last season, his YPC was identical to Thomas Jones despite having far fewer outside runs called. Similarly, as the season wore on, Benson was given more carries (and more then Jones in the last few weeks) and produced admirably. In games where Benson was "carrying the load", he averaged 4.42 ypc. For 300 carries, for example, that's 1300+ yards on the ground.

I have him ranked #4 for some very simple and indisputable reasons: (1) he's the expected workhorse. I'll eat my hat if Garrett Wolfe or Adrian Peterson combined have more then 100 touches barring a Benson injury. (2) he's on a run heavy team with an offense tailored to Benson's strengths. (3) I've been following Benson, literally game by game, for the last 9 years and feel confident that his skills are as good now as ever. He is a beast and two years of uneven production doesn't undo that.

I think your peronsal man love for Ced is clouding your judgement. Rank him in the top 12 if ya want. But placing him at #4 overall is just silly. And I know that is where you rank him, not necessarily where you would draft him.

Why?? Because his rankings should be similar to everyone else's??Was Willie Parker a 1st round pick last year?? How about Frank Gore??

It's his rankings and he can do what he want. Normally for rankings, I rank a guy based where I would draft him not where I expect him to finish the season.Colin already stated he wouldnt take Benson 4th overall but is grabbing him in the 2nd round of his drafts.

 

[Colin Dowling]

Colin already stated he wouldnt take Benson 4th overall but is grabbing him in the 2nd round of his drafts.

Only because there is no need; his ADP is much lower. As you correctly stated, I am grabbing him in the 2nd to ensure getting him in most of the drafts I'm in, whether that be pick 13 or pick 24.

 

[Raider Nation]

Ian Allen at F.F. Index has him ranked 15th overall. Highest ranking I've seen out there.

My loyalty and patience with this stiff is finally about to pay off this year!

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

Colin already stated he wouldnt take Benson 4th overall but is grabbing him in the 2nd round of his drafts.

Only because there is no need; his ADP is much lower. As you correctly stated, I am grabbing him in the 2nd to ensure getting him in most of the drafts I'm in, whether that be pick 13 or pick 24.

colin dont see recent rankings from you.Benson still sitting at 4?

 

[WarRedbirds]

Benson gets 10 carries as Bears go to the run

By Bob LeGere

rlegere@dailyherald.com

Posted Tuesday, August 21, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS — In their first preseason game, the Bears had 43 passing plays and just 21 runs, which is not indicative of their offensive philosophy

That changed Monday night against the Colts with 32 rushes and 31 passes.

“We run the football,” coach Lovie Smith said before the game. “We get off the plane running the ball, playing defense. That will never change as long as I’m the head coach.”

Featured ball carrier Cedric Benson got just 5 carries in the opener but had 10 Monday, although he struggled to pick up 24 yards, just 1 more than he had in the opener.

“No doubt I’d like to see more from it, and I think in time we will,” Smith said of Benson and a running game that produced a disappointing 68 yards on 32 carries. “We’re a running football team.”

Jones is expected to get a bigger majority of the carries this season than Thomas Jones did last season. Jones rushed 296 times in 2006, while Benson got 157 carries.

“Last year we split time a little bit,” Smith said. “This year we’re not in that situation. Cedric is our lead … he’ll get the majority of the carries.”

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/story.asp?id=341792Nothing new hear, just nice to hear their commitment to Cedric. I plan on seeing him with my own eyes to make my own judgement. Though I doubt he'll be there at my second pick (pick #23 in a 14-teamer).

 

[WarRedbirds]

3. Cedric Benson is now the full-time starter at running back. The Bears are embracing him and while Benson is the quiet type it is worth noting that recently he told reporters about a bizarre series of circumstances last year. He spoke of an intense rivalry with former Chicago running back Thomas Jones -- early in one practice last season Jones struck him in the face during a running backs drill. While Benson wishes Jones, now with the Jets, the best, Benson also told writers he is "10 times the man and 10 times the player" Jones is. Perhaps the oddest of Benson's claims is that Jones' allies on defense took extra hard shots at Benson in order to purposely injure him.

http://www.sportsline.com/nfl/story/10304925Benson is obviously not lacking in confidence. Though it's a bit surprising that he let TJ ##### slap him like that...

 

[Unlucky]

The opportunity for Benson is there. What worries me is the talent. He looked awfully slow vs. Indy on Monday. I currently have him getting 330 carries, but just 3.8 YPC. I might be low on the receptions - only 22. 10 total TDs, as I don't see him as a breakaway threat, thus his only TDs will be from the 1.

 

[kensat30]

I really don't see how you can go wrong with Benson in the late 2nd round. He should be just a notch below Addai and Maroney considering he is an unproven guy who has landed into a monster 3-down opportunity. And while Chicago may not have Manning or Brady, they do have an all-world D.

Edit: And special teams.

 

[eagles2007]

Benson gets 10 carries as Bears go to the run

By Bob LeGere

rlegere@dailyherald.com

Posted Tuesday, August 21, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS — In their first preseason game, the Bears had 43 passing plays and just 21 runs, which is not indicative of their offensive philosophy

That changed Monday night against the Colts with 32 rushes and 31 passes.

“We run the football,” coach Lovie Smith said before the game. “We get off the plane running the ball, playing defense. That will never change as long as I’m the head coach.”

Featured ball carrier Cedric Benson got just 5 carries in the opener but had 10 Monday, although he struggled to pick up 24 yards, just 1 more than he had in the opener.

“No doubt I’d like to see more from it, and I think in time we will,” Smith said of Benson and a running game that produced a disappointing 68 yards on 32 carries. “We’re a running football team.”

Jones is expected to get a bigger majority of the carries this season than Thomas Jones did last season. Jones rushed 296 times in 2006, while Benson got 157 carries.

“Last year we split time a little bit,” Smith said. “This year we’re not in that situation. Cedric is our lead … he’ll get the majority of the carries.”

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/story.asp?id=341792Nothing new hear, just nice to hear their commitment to Cedric. I plan on seeing him with my own eyes to make my own judgement. Though I doubt he'll be there at my second pick (pick #23 in a 14-teamer).

What a terrible mistake to make in a story in the next to last paragraph.

 

[mdog1967]

Benson gets 10 carries as Bears go to the run

By Bob LeGere

rlegere@dailyherald.com

Posted Tuesday, August 21, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS — In their first preseason game, the Bears had 43 passing plays and just 21 runs, which is not indicative of their offensive philosophy

That changed Monday night against the Colts with 32 rushes and 31 passes.

“We run the football,” coach Lovie Smith said before the game. “We get off the plane running the ball, playing defense. That will never change as long as I’m the head coach.”

Featured ball carrier Cedric Benson got just 5 carries in the opener but had 10 Monday, although he struggled to pick up 24 yards, just 1 more than he had in the opener.

“No doubt I’d like to see more from it, and I think in time we will,” Smith said of Benson and a running game that produced a disappointing 68 yards on 32 carries. “We’re a running footbal

Jones is expected to get a bigger majority of the carries this season than Thomas Jones did last season. Jones rushed 296 times in 2006, while Benson got 157 carries.

“Last year we split time a little bit,” Smith said. “This year we’re not in that situation. Cedric is our lead … he’ll get the majority of the carries.”

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/story.asp?id=341792Nothing new hear, just nice to hear their commitment to Cedric. I plan on seeing him with my own eyes to make my own judgement. Though I doubt he'll be there at my second pick (pick #23 in a 14-teamer).

What a terrible mistake to make in a story in the next to last paragraph.

Living here in Texas I of course would like him to do well in the NFL, My gut says he is just a little shy in the "Tuff" department to be a real NFL player. I think this guy will come out of the game when his finger nail gets broken, so pure physical ability aside I just cant see any positive upside with Benson. I would like to point out to you guys hanging in there on this guy that it is not the Norm to have your first round selected RB to finally be the man on a team that drafted him after three years, shouldnt take that long. RB's are born not made. Preist never got a shot untill KC, Tomas Jones got stuck in RB hell in Arizona, but Benson has had little excuse to not dominate the RB position for da Bears. I would stick to other second round Options in your fantasy drafts and let some one else take the chance with Benson.

 

[Ed Wood]

The opportunity for Benson is there. What worries me is the talent. He looked awfully slow vs. Indy on Monday.

He looked BRU-tal. I know there were no holes there but he didn't look like the type of guy who can make yards on his own when that's the case. The catches are a pleasant surprise, but I'm going into the season with some doubt in my mind whether this guy can handle it. Ten times the player Jones is? I'd settle for being exactly the type of player Jones is right now.Signed,Benson dynasty owner

 

[Todem]

He's no longer splitting time with Thomas Jones, so why is Cedric Benson ranked so low in so many 'preseason cheat sheets'?Hell, he's a lock to put up 12TDs and 1,400 combined yards.

Without even reading any other posts and just your question....here is your answer.He sucks plain and simple.

 

[Todem]

Ian Allen at F.F. Index has him ranked 15th overall. Highest ranking I've seen out there.My loyalty and patience with this stiff is finally about to pay off this year!

Are you on your knees praying?Ain't gonna happen.

 

[Todem]

Benson gets 10 carries as Bears go to the run

By Bob LeGere

rlegere@dailyherald.com

Posted Tuesday, August 21, 2007

INDIANAPOLIS — In their first preseason game, the Bears had 43 passing plays and just 21 runs, which is not indicative of their offensive philosophy

That changed Monday night against the Colts with 32 rushes and 31 passes.

“We run the football,” coach Lovie Smith said before the game. “We get off the plane running the ball, playing defense. That will never change as long as I’m the head coach.”

Featured ball carrier Cedric Benson got just 5 carries in the opener but had 10 Monday, although he struggled to pick up 24 yards, just 1 more than he had in the opener.

“No doubt I’d like to see more from it, and I think in time we will,” Smith said of Benson and a running game that produced a disappointing 68 yards on 32 carries. “We’re a running footbal

Jones is expected to get a bigger majority of the carries this season than Thomas Jones did last season. Jones rushed 296 times in 2006, while Benson got 157 carries.

“Last year we split time a little bit,” Smith said. “This year we’re not in that situation. Cedric is our lead … he’ll get the majority of the carries.”

http://www.dailyherald.com/sports/story.asp?id=341792Nothing new hear, just nice to hear their commitment to Cedric. I plan on seeing him with my own eyes to make my own judgement. Though I doubt he'll be there at my second pick (pick #23 in a 14-teamer).

What a terrible mistake to make in a story in the next to last paragraph.

Living here in Texas I of course would like him to do well in the NFL, My gut says he is just a little shy in the "Tuff" department to be a real NFL player. I think this guy will come out of the game when his finger nail gets broken, so pure physical ability aside I just cant see any positive upside with Benson. I would like to point out to you guys hanging in there on this guy that it is not the Norm to have your first round selected RB to finally be the man on a team that drafted him after three years, shouldnt take that long. RB's are born not made. Preist never got a shot untill KC, Tomas Jones got stuck in RB hell in Arizona, but Benson has had little excuse to not dominate the RB position for da Bears. I would stick to other second round Options in your fantasy drafts and let some one else take the chance with Benson.

Very

 

[destro]

Living here in Texas I of course would like him to do well in the NFL, My gut says he is just a little shy in the "Tuff" department to be a real NFL player. I think this guy will come out of the game when his finger nail gets broken, so pure physical ability aside I just cant see any positive upside with Benson. I would like to point out to you guys hanging in there on this guy that it is not the Norm to have your first round selected RB to finally be the man on a team that drafted him after three years, shouldnt take that long. RB's are born not made. Preist never got a shot untill KC, Tomas Jones got stuck in RB hell in Arizona, but Benson has had little excuse to not dominate the RB position for da Bears. I would stick to other second round Options in your fantasy drafts and let some one else take the chance with Benson.

I'm a Bears homer, and I'd absolutely love to see the Bears make it to the SB again. As much as I like Peterson, it seems like that's only happening if Benson has a really strong year and plays well in the playoffs.And I have to be honest, I'm not optimistic at all. Benson, and the 07 Bears in general reek of disappointing 1st round exit, or maybe worse. Probably not worse, just because of how bad the NFC North is, but I digress. It just feels bad in about every way except for the outlook on defense. Rex still is a mess, the OL is very old and seems destined for injuries, and Benson is an absolute question mark. If you aren't at least a little concerned about him, I would suspect pure homerism or fantasy ego is at play.Specifically, with Benson, the above poster is correct. Benson is CLEARLY lacking toughness, physically and mentally. Sure, you can't quantify "heart," but if you're honest with yourself and have followed him throughout his career, it's very easy to tell that Benson is lacking heart, toughness, and probably a few cards from the deck. He's whiny and arrogant. He's selfish and his teammates dislike him. In college he told reporters he'd rather have a Heismann than win a national championship. He seems to be easily offended and is an emotional mess. In interviews, he sounds a lot like he's on drugs - just... "off." Does all that really sound like the makeup of a successful NFL RB, or any other position? Larry Johnson was kind of a #####, sure, but you never doubted his toughness or ability. He never seemed soft - in fact, he seemed more like a tough as nails thug-type. When Johnson got his touches in KC, it was very clear that he could be a stud if he was carrying the load. Can you REALLY say that about Benson? It's debatable, but I don't think you can say that he looked really better than Jones at all. You could even make the argument that he performed worse. I don't have a Jones mancrush, and I think they have to give Benson his shot. I'm just not kidding myself into being overly optimistic about it. His upside looks like Thomas Jones 06, maybe slightly better. More importantly, his potential downside seems much worse. Also: Does anyone really know why Benson took himself out of the Super Bowl? I mean, we are talking about the Super Bowl. It was clearly the biggest game of his career, a game he may never get back to, and he's sitting on the bench because of what couldn't have been more than a bruise. He was laying on the ground, the trainers were stretching his knee out fine, and nothing was found to be structurally wrong. There was never a report of lingering knee issues. The Bears organization never gave us anything more specific than "knee injury." If you're a Bears fan or Benson owner, how does this not concern you?

 

[WarRedbirds]

I'm a Bears homer, and I'd absolutely love to see the Bears make it to the SB again. As much as I like Peterson, it seems like that's only happening if Benson has a really strong year and plays well in the playoffs.And I have to be honest, I'm not optimistic at all. Benson, and the 07 Bears in general reek of disappointing 1st round exit, or maybe worse. Probably not worse, just because of how bad the NFC North is, but I digress. It just feels bad in about every way except for the outlook on defense. Rex still is a mess, the OL is very old and seems destined for injuries, and Benson is an absolute question mark. If you aren't at least a little concerned about him, I would suspect pure homerism or fantasy ego is at play.Specifically, with Benson, the above poster is correct. Benson is CLEARLY lacking toughness, physically and mentally. Sure, you can't quantify "heart," but if you're honest with yourself and have followed him throughout his career, it's very easy to tell that Benson is lacking heart, toughness, and probably a few cards from the deck. He's whiny and arrogant. He's selfish and his teammates dislike him. In college he told reporters he'd rather have a Heismann than win a national championship. He seems to be easily offended and is an emotional mess. In interviews, he sounds a lot like he's on drugs - just... "off." Does all that really sound like the makeup of a successful NFL RB, or any other position? Larry Johnson was kind of a #####, sure, but you never doubted his toughness or ability. He never seemed soft - in fact, he seemed more like a tough as nails thug-type. When Johnson got his touches in KC, it was very clear that he could be a stud if he was carrying the load. Can you REALLY say that about Benson? It's debatable, but I don't think you can say that he looked really better than Jones at all. You could even make the argument that he performed worse. I don't have a Jones mancrush, and I think they have to give Benson his shot. I'm just not kidding myself into being overly optimistic about it. His upside looks like Thomas Jones 06, maybe slightly better. More importantly, his potential downside seems much worse. Also: Does anyone really know why Benson took himself out of the Super Bowl? I mean, we are talking about the Super Bowl. It was clearly the biggest game of his career, a game he may never get back to, and he's sitting on the bench because of what couldn't have been more than a bruise. He was laying on the ground, the trainers were stretching his knee out fine, and nothing was found to be structurally wrong. There was never a report of lingering knee issues. The Bears organization never gave us anything more specific than "knee injury." If you're a Bears fan or Benson owner, how does this not concern you?

Excellent post! You have just about convinced me to pass on him in the second. I'm still keeping an open mind, and will definitely watch him in the preseason to see if I see what others are seeing. I am a big fan of explosive backs, and he doesn't seem to be explosive.

 

[NYGus]

Did Frank Gore merit a #4 overall ranking last preseason? Nope. But thats where he finished.

BINGO. I drafted Gore at 6.07 last year and he produced 1.04 numbers. Every year there are players will far out produce their draft position. Since I don't subscribe to the silly RB/RB theory, I took Manning/Harrison/Roy Williams THEN Cedric as my RB1 in round 4 and he will produce like a true RB1 this year, I have absolutely no doubt that he will put up 1200+ and 10-13TD's.

 

[ICON211]

I would take Benson early enough to ensure he's on my team, which based on current ADP is anytime in the 2nd round. And so we can find this the first time he goes for 150/3.

Have not seen this thread bumped yet. Maybe when Benson scores his third TD of the season we would have seen it.

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

To go back a step further, in college Benson averaged 56 yards per game and 2.9 yards per carry against Oklahoma, the best defense he would face each year. And in bowl games he averaged 66 yards per game and 3.5 yards per carry. Coming out of college I believed he was overrated and overhyped and I think that is still true now. The way he has played and acted in the NFL in his first two years I doubt he would even be getting the chance he is if he wasn't a top 5 pick.

I don't even know where to start with this post....

Start wherever you would like. The guy has been in the NFL for 2 years now and has been hurt both years and did not distinguish himself when he did play. I'm not saying he is not worth drafting, but I am not allowed to think he is vastly overrated and will not perform well as the unquestioned starter? Do you really have him ranked #4 among RBs?

Benson Player Spotlight1. In college, Benson's Oklahoma numbers are poor, and deservedly so. He didn't play hardly at all in the game as a freshman (The Roy Williams diving on Chris Simms game) b/c Mack Brown didn't trust a freshman in the backfield. The Longhorns offense was HORRIBLE in the 4 years Benson was there. In one game, however, Chris Simms had two rushing TDs. In another, Mock/Vince turned the ball over so fast Texas never was in the game as the Sooners racked up 550 yards of offense, and in another Benson accounted for 92 of the teams 150 yards. There's a LOT more to it then just saying Benson played poorly.

2. His bowl games are equally more complicated. THe Longhorn Rose Bowl win Benson's senior season was a run-heavy game for Texas. The team ran 46 times for 264 yards, mostly on the spread option where Vince goes wide or Benson goes up the middle depending on where the DE/OLB is. 23/70 rushing up the gut every time is hardy a bad day, especially when you win the Rose Bowl. As a junior, Benson had a fine day in a Holiday Bowl loss - 22 for 87 and a TD. As a sophomore in had 12 for 51 in a game where rushes were split with Selvin YOung and Roy Williams was the main cog in the wheel after the Longhorns had fallen behind early. He didn't play in the Holiday Bowl as a Freshman.

3. Coming out of college, he was the 4th leading rusher in NCAA history and a proven tough, up the middle runner. He had consecutive campaigns of 20+ TDs and generated 60% of his yards after first contact. His frame and speed were with in line with some of the best runners in the NFL.

4. His NFL career has been nowhere near as bad as you imagine. Last season, his YPC was identical to Thomas Jones despite having far fewer outside runs called. Similarly, as the season wore on, Benson was given more carries (and more then Jones in the last few weeks) and produced admirably. In games where Benson was "carrying the load", he averaged 4.42 ypc. For 300 carries, for example, that's 1300+ yards on the ground.

I have him ranked #4 for some very simple and indisputable reasons: (1) he's the expected workhorse. I'll eat my hat if Garrett Wolfe or Adrian Peterson combined have more then 100 touches barring a Benson injury. (2) he's on a run heavy team with an offense tailored to Benson's strengths. (3) I've been following Benson, literally game by game, for the last 9 years and feel confident that his skills are as good now as ever. He is a beast and two years of uneven production doesn't undo that.

I think your peronsal man love for Ced is clouding your judgement. Rank him in the top 12 if ya want. But placing him at #4 overall is just silly. And I know that is where you rank him, not necessarily where you would draft him.

I would take Benson early enough to ensure he's on my team, which based on current ADP is anytime in the 2nd round. And :X so we can find this the first time he goes for 150/3.

 

[RBM]

In all fairness to Dowling, he has been discussing the issue in the "Benson Blows" thread.

 

[ICON211]

I would take Benson early enough to ensure he's on my team, which based on current ADP is anytime in the 2nd round. And so we can find this the first time he goes for 150/3.

Have not seen this thread bumped yet. Maybe when Benson scores his third TD of the season we would have seen it.

Still not to three yet. Well at least he had 17-46 today.