Illinois WR Benn Works Out

[Coachnorm]

NFL Network's Mike Mayock reports that Illinois WR Arrelious Benn ran a 4.42 forty at the Fighting Illini's Pro Day. SI.com's Tony Pauline adds that "some scouts" had Benn timing as fast as 4.36. The Illinois track is obviously fast, but Benn also flashed sub-4.5 speed at the Scouting Combine with an unofficial 4.48. Benn's other numbers: a 37.5-inch vertical, 10-foot-1 broad jump, and 6.78 in the three-cone drill.

 

[MNJHNSN]

I love the upside of BENN. I think he is a first round talent and will have a solid career. I would love to see him land in Tampa or Miami where he could become their WR1.

 

[Cooley Cadets]

I love the upside of BENN. I think he is a first round talent and will have a solid career. I would love to see him land in Tampa or Miami where he could become their WR1.

Immediately?

 

[MNJHNSN]

Not immediately, I think he needs a year or two to adjust to the speed and the precision required of an NFL WR. He is a bit, I stress bit, of a project but I do believe he will be a difference maker in the league.

 

[Cooley Cadets]

Not immediately, I think he needs a year or two to adjust to the speed and the precision required of an NFL WR. He is a bit, I stress bit, of a project but I do believe he will be a difference maker in the league.

Not sure how long the learning curve will be for him but I agree he has potential 1-2 years down the road to be something special.

 

[WesDawg]

Benn seems to be an extremely similar WR to Hakeem Nicks, except a step faster. Teams looking for receiver help in the late-first/early 2nd will have a tough choice between him and Golden Tate. I have them ranked as almost a toss-up, but the interesting part of the debate lies in that they're equally talented, but play very different styles.