Eno Benjamin NFL Draft profile and fantasy projection

Arizona State’s Eno Benjamin is one of the more exciting running backs in the 2020 NFL Draft class. He isn’t a top-tier talent that could be selected in the first round, but has skills to be a valuable contributor as a rookie. He rushed for 1,646 yards and 16 touchdowns in 2018 but saw a large drop in production the following year. Benjamin finished with 1,043 rushing yards in his final season with the Blue Devils.

Benjamin isn’t the most physically imposing or athletic prospect, but he’s established himself as the kind of player who’s difficult to bring down. That combined with his offensive versatility makes him a desirable target. He hauled in 42 passes for 347 yards and two scores last season.

Scouting Report

Benjamin’s elusiveness and creativity are probably his greatest weapons. He has a knack for altering his path with cuts to avoid defenders. But he also has enough strength and wiggle to shed would-be tacklers when they do make contact with him. His consistent effort and energy could make him a legitimate three-down back in the pros.

On the negative side, Benjamin’s creativity can backfire. Attempting to execute a series of moves instead of making a quick decision and sticking with it can hinder his production at times. He also has to work on his patience, as he’s resistant to letting blocks develop in front of him before taking things into his own hands.

Here’s what scouts had to say about Benjamin.

Slightly undersized three-down option with unorthodox running style that can keep everyone on the field guessing, including his own team. Benjamin thrives when runs go off schedule but also has a habit of taking them off schedule prematurely. His elusiveness is always on display, but he’s a competitive, tough runner when it is time to get down. — NFL.com’s Lance Zierlein

Eno Benjamin projects favorably as a potential lead back in a gap/power heavy rushing offense. Benjamin brings sufficient power, lateral mobility and impressive contact balance to the table, as well as viable receiver skills that make him a potential 3-down contributor in the NFL. — The Draft Network’s Kyle Crabbs

Mock Draft Results

Mel Kiper, ESPN: Out of first round
Daniel Jeremiah, NFL.com: Out of first round
Eric Edholm, Yahoo Sports: Third round or later
Doug Farrar, Touchdown Wire: Out of first round

Fantasy impact: Rookie year

Benjamin can be a factor as a rookie and could even start in some games, but he won’t be a feature back. If he does have an impact it’ll be as a backup, or in a situation where a team utilizes a committee of running backs due to the lack of definitive starter. Scheme will play a big part in how productive Benjamin is. He could have value in DFS formats, but he’s not a season-long target.

Fantasy impact: Career

Benjamin has to develop his patience and pass protection, as well as decision making. While he isn’t projected to be a consistent starter in year one, he could become one in year two or three with a little work. He might not be a star, but he could give you the kind of consistency that makes him a long-term asset.