Editor's Note: The 2024 NFL Draft is approaching the end of April, and the draft process is in full swing as the Dallas Cowboys and other teams conduct their board meetings to identify the right players for the next level. There is. The DallasCowboys.com staff provides potential picks before the draft to give the Cowboys context on potential targets when the time comes. Next up is Florida State running back Trey Benson.
- name: trey benson
- position: run back
- College: florida
- height, weight: 6-0 / 216 (confirmed at combine)
- combine tests: 40 yard dash 4.39, vertical jump 33.5 inches, broad jump 10 feet 2 inches
- Did you know that? Benson started his career at Oregon State, missed his freshman season in 2020 with a torn ACL, and was limited to just six carries in 2021. He then transferred to Florida State University. In high school, he once ran for 392 yards and seven touchdowns in one game.
Despite being a physical back with a knack for avoiding contact, Benson attracts attention with his quick cutting ability between the tackles and is difficult to beat in close quarters. Once in the open field, his 4.39 speed evaded defenders and established him as a big-play weapon during his time with the Seminoles. In the receiving game, Benson can be just as dangerous as he has shown the ability to run a variety of routes out of the backfield and be productive while doing so. His pass protection skills will need to improve a bit as well as his footwork at the next level. His quick cuts are dangerous, but his footwork is so erratic that when he's about to be tackled, he can sometimes be unable to get out of the way faster than he is.
Benson is respected as a near-consensus top-three prospect in the draft. This year's crop of running backs isn't as talented as last year's top draft group, but there will be quite a few on day two. If he tends to be more of a third back instead of a top back, the Cowboys could be sitting there late in the second round to gain an advantage.
It's clear there's a big hole in the running back room after Tony Pollard's departure. The only returning players include Rico Doodle (361 yards in 2023), Deuce Vaughn (40 yards in 2023) and Hunter Luepke (19 yards in 2023). Bringing in a productive back like Benson, who excels in both running and receiving, would provide immediate relief to the backfield in an offense that relies on stability at the running back position.
