Rookie Profile: Trey Benson, Running Back, Arizona Cardinals
Welcome to the Rookie Profile: Trey Benson, a Running Back from Florida State. He is from Greensville, Mississippi, and was a 3-star recruit out of Greensville High School.
Benson’s collegiate career got off to a rocky start and almost ended before it began. In 2020 as a member of the Oregon Ducks he tore his ACL, MCL, and LCL and missed the entire season.
His 2021 season as a freshman saw him appear in 10 games for the Ducks where he recorded 22 yards and 1 touchdown on limited carries. His lack of opportunities led him to transfer to Florida State for the 2022 season.
In 2022 as a sophomore, he played in 13 games for Florida State and rushed for 990 yards and 9 touchdowns. He chipped in 227 receiving yards and 1 receiving touchdown in a true breakout season in his first year as a full-time player.
His final collegiate season was as a junior in 2023 for the Seminoles where he again appeared in 13 games and racked up 906 rushing yards and 14 touchdowns. He also added 371 receiving yards and 1 touchdown through the air before declaring for the 2024 NFL Draft.
Measurables
Draft Capital & Landing Spot
Draft Capital- Round 3 Pick 66
- Third-round draft capital may not sound like a resounding vote of confidence but in today’s running back market, day two draft capital is a win. A top-100 selection for Benson is a positive sign that the NFL and the Arizona Cardinals more specifically see something in him that could make him the back of the future.
- This isn’t a particularly sexy running back class, with Jonathon Brooks being the only rookie back with a ton of redraft value. Benson’s third-round selection indicates that he could have a role this season, but is sure to get his fair share of opportunities once James Conner moves on.
Landing Spot- Arizona Cardinals
- Arizona is a potentially great landing spot. James Conner is essentially the only back above him on the depth chart from day one and with Conner’s age and history of injuries, he could easily find himself with a sizeable role in 2024.
- At the very least, Benson is a Conner injury away from being a league-winner at a low cost. If he doesn’t get his shot in 2024, it will be a case of when he takes over the job, not if.
Team Depth Chart
Expected Role: Heir Apparent to James Conner (Elite Handcuff for 2024)
Depth Chart via Fantasy Pros
Fantasy Impact
The fantasy impact for Benson can be tough to decipher. As of now, he is nothing more than a play for the future and an elite handcuff. In dynasty leagues, he is a player I am looking to target early and often as the RB2 off the board. As I mentioned, he could see action this season, but if he doesn’t he will eventually be the starter in the Cardinals offense.
As far as redraft value goes for 2024, he is a solid late-round dart throw in hopes of being a winning lottery ticket at some point this season. He is even more valuable if you drafted James Conner. Consider him an elite league-winning handcuff, with excellent long-term appeal.
Check out The Fantasy Football Universe Sneak Peek Video of Trey Benson.
Check out our 2024 Rookie Rankings Page for a full breakdown of this rookie class.
