2020 NFL Draft: Top 5 running backs entering 2019 season
By Cory Kinnan
4. Eno Benjamin, Arizona State
2018 games watched: Washington, UTSA
Height: 5’10
Weight: 201 pounds
Year: Junior
2018 statline:
1,642 yards rushing, 16 touchdowns, 5.5 yards per carry
35 catches, 263 yards receiving, 7.5 yards per catch, 2 receiving touchdowns
Strengths:
Eno Benjamin’s footwork is fantastic. He shows a great hopstep into an open hole at the line of scrimmage and has the ability to put his foot in the ground and change direction with relative ease.
Benjamin is a weapon in the passing game, catching 35 balls. While his yards per catch may not have been super high, he showed on tape the ability to make good adjustments to the football and become a reliable checkdown for his quarterback.
It is a rare sight to see Benjamin be driven backward as he tends to keep his legs churning and falls forward at the end of runs. He maintains great balance upon contact, which allows him to continue on his journey up-field.
Weaknesses:
The burst is not quite there for Benjamin as he looks to hit the open hole; he can be a bit too picky when it comes to choosing a lane, leading to the occasional missed opportunity. Ball security could be a bit of an issue for Benjamin as he can let to pigskin hit the turf and does not always tuck the ball away when running through tight windows with lots of moving parts.
Benjamin needs to become a more willing participant in pass protection as he does not seem too adept at blocking when he is not out on a route.
Pro Comparison: Dalvin Cook (Minnesota Vikings)