Cardinals Add to Backfield With RB Trey Benson in 3rd Round

© Alicia Devine/USA Today/USA TODAY NETWORK

The Arizona Cardinals are one of several teams with multiple needs. With the 66th overall pick in the 2024 NFL Draft, the Cardinals filled one of those needs by drafting Florida State running back Trey Benson. They have quietly had one of the better drafts and addressed needs at various positions in the process.

Benson, a two-year starter for coach Mike Norvell in Tallahassee, eclipsed the 1,000-yard mark in all-purpose yards each season. He is a speedster with 4.39 speed and has the bonus of playing physically and being a downhill runner. He's a no-nonsense runner who would rather run through traffic and contact instead of dancing around. He's got solid vision and has home-run potential with the ball in his hands. He is a force to tackle. Benson has solid hands and does well to catch in stride. He keeps his feet moving through contact to maximize yardage.

Beginning his college career at Oregon, Benson suffered a tough injury that forced him to miss the 2020 season. He earned second-team All-Atlantic Coast Conference honors in both his seasons at Florida State, averaging 6.4 and 5.8 yards per carry, respectively. Benson finished his Seminoles career with 1,895 yards, ranking him 18th in program history.

The addition of Benson gives the Cardinals another weapon for quarterback Kyler Murray and the offense in year two under coach Jonathan Gannon. In pairing Benson with James Conner, the Cardinals have a solid tandem in the backfield. Benson should slot in and give the offense two running backs that can be lead-backs. Benson will give Arizona a back that can step in, lead as needed and take over when called upon.

© Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

Pick Grade: A

The Cardinals had a need to fill at running back and Benson will deliver with an immediate impact. With durability concerns with Conner, the Cardinals get an insurance policy. They create a formidable duo in the backfield.