Kelvin Benjamin

Wide Receiver

Florida State

Benjamin is mostly looked at as very late first round, or second round pick. It’s possible he could sneak into the first to a team that wants a big physical outside receiver badly. Although with this draft class being so deep, especially at the receiver position it is more likely he finds himself being selected in the second round.

Benjamin is a physical freak, only way to describe him. He measured in at the combine at 6’5”, 240 pounds, with just four percent body fat. Four percent body fat?! How is that even possible at 240 pounds?

How Benjamin Fits 49ers needs

The 49ers biggest problems over the last several years is their red zone offense, as they settle for field goals far too often. This is caused by the play calling and they really lack a big red zone threat on the outside. Anquan Boldin did a good job last season in that role, but he’s getting up there in age and will likely be off the roster after the 2014 season. The 49ers need someone who can go up and get jump balls, and Benjamin can do that to a degree. Benjamin isn’t really a speedster, but his combination of size and his 4.6 forty speed is impressive and could make him a solid option in the red zone.

Potential Impact as a Rookie

Benjamin would have a hard time breaking through the depth chart in year one. He’d likely be the back up to Boldin and play on downs when he is tired, or if he becomes hurt. He likely wouldn’t make a huge impact in his rookie year, he’d likely see most of his time in the red zone. A realistic rookie season for Benjamin would look something like 30 catches for 450 yards and six touchdowns. Remember, Quinton Patton and Vance McDonald also hardly saw the ball in their rookie years (11 combined catches).

What Benjamin Does Well

Benjamin is a talented outside receiver who can become a very good red zone threat or middle of the field option. He can high point the ball and catch the ball in traffic, he has the ability to make some very difficult catches. Benjamin tracks the ball in the air very well and can make a big impact on the field.

What Benjamin Struggles With

Benjamin has struggles, and that’s why it isn’t likely he goes in the first round. Catching the ball, the most important job for receivers, is one of Benjamin’s biggest problems as he drops about 25% of catchable passes. Route running isn’t a strong point for Benjamin as he rarely squares off his routes, they’re often just rounded out. His run blocking also isn’t that great, with his big frame he should be able to drive defensive backs down the field, but the effort isn’t there.