Buffalo Bills hosted RB Trey Benson on top-30 pre-draft visit

Aaron Wilson reports that Florida State running back Trey Benson visited the Buffalo Bills in the top-30 before the 2024 NFL Draft. Despite the fact that the NFL’s requirements for feature backs have evolved, Benson seems like he would fit in well in such a role.

There are presently three running backs on the Bills’ roster: Ty Johnson, Darrynton Evans, and James Cook. Between the draft and training camp, they probably will add one or two more.

Benson is expected to be selected on the second round of the draft, which many may argue is too early for Buffalo to select a running back. Benson’s potential is alluring, though.

Standing 6′ and weighing 216 pounds, Benson gives outstanding, feature-back size to the running back position. He was ranked first among running backs from the 2024 NFL Scouting Combine with a Next Gen Stats total score of 80. With a 40-yard sprint time of 4.39 seconds, a 10-yard split of 1.52 seconds, a 33.5-inch vertical leap, and a 10’2″ broad jump, Benson excelled in his combine testing.

Despite being a big, dual-threat running back, Benson prefers to play elusive football over smash-mouth style playmaking. The problem is that teams could rather use Benson as an inside bruiser to wear down an opponent because he doesn’t seem to have exceptional vision. With his explosiveness, Benson can play as a one-cut back and go the entire distance.

Benson was a redshirt at Oregon when he started his college career. For his junior year, he transferred to Florida State, where his output skyrocketed. Benson had 310 carries for 1,896 yards and 23 touchdowns in his two seasons with the Seminoles. He also added 33 receptions for 371 yards and one receiving touchdown. Over 1,000 yards were gained from scrimmage in both of his Florida State seasons. He was named to the Second Team All-ACC twice throughout his college career (2022 and 2023 seasons).

Benson would eventually provide the Bills a more versatile, perhaps three-down runner who can catch passes in RB looks and do just enough damage while blocking from home. Despite the fact that he only ever carried the ball more than 20 times throughout his two years of collegiate tenure, it’s plausible that he could manage a more demanding workload.

Trey Benson might not be the ideal fit for the Buffalo Bills given his projected draft path, which indicates he should hear his name called in Rounds two or three. But if he starts to falter, there’s plenty to admire about his current game to choose him in hopes of what could turn out to be an incredible NFL career.