Standing 6 foot 5 and 240 pounds, Kelvin Benjamin is a unique wide receiver prospect. With his massive frame Benjamin was able to burn defenses for 54 catches for 1011 yards and a whooping 15 touchdowns in 2013. While his ceiling is extremely high, Benjamin is still a very raw wide receiver and represents a sizable risk for a first round draft pick.
Combine Numbers:
Strengths:
Catch Radius: Huge frame gives him large catch radius, attacks the football at the highest point, absolute beast in jump ball situations and a true red zone threat.
Long Speed: Massive stride allows him to run past defenders on vertical routes which makes up for his lack of quickness.
Hard to Bring Down: Bullies smaller cornerbacks in the open field, long arms make his stiff arm devastating and can look like a man among boys in the open field.
Powerful Blocker: Punishes smaller defenders, has long arms to keep defenders off his frame, dominates on bubble screens but was called for multiple holding penalties in 2013.
Weaknesses
Route Running: Is a poor route runner, struggles to drop his hips and change directions and telegraphs his route to DBs.
Hands: Had multiple drops in 2013 and developed the bad habit of turning up field before securing the ball.
Overall: A true mismatch out wide due to his size, Benjamin has the potential to be an elite wide receiver. But it is just that, potential. He is still extremely raw and isn't NFL ready, meaning any team that drafts him will have to develop him. A true boom or bust prospect -- he could easily be Stephen Hill or Alshon Jeffery -- some team will likely take a chance on him in the 1st round.
For the 49ers he is an interesting prospect because he could sit behind Crabtree and Boldin -- hopefully Boldin could pass down the art of being a bad ass to his fellow Florida State alum-- before moving into a starting role in 2015. Also with the team high on Patton -- a smaller shifter wide out -- Benjamin would be a perfect counter providing the red zone size and vertical speed. But drafting Benjamin will likely require the 49ers to trade up a few places something they can easily do with their 11 draft picks.
Prediction: Mid to Late 1st Round
Other 2014 Wide Receivers: