Jets eyeing Arrelious Benn?- TJB

[Kentucky Jet]

Buzz: Jets Eyeing Illinois Receiver?

Posted on March 22nd, 2010 by Bassett

According to reports, it looks like Jets WR coach Henry Ellard was in attendance last week at the Illinois pro day to watch early round prospect Arrelious Benn.

While Illinois may not have produced a good record last season (3-9), it still managed to develop several elite prospects. The best of those players is WR Arrelious Benn (6-foot 7/8, 218 pounds), who performed for wide receiver coaches from the Bengals, Jets, Patriots, Browns and Dolphins. Benn was put through intense position drills after the workout, running routes and catching balls for an extra hour and 15 minutes.

As for the workout, Benn had a sensational outing. He ran the 40-yard dash in 4.42 and 4.40 seconds, had a 37 1/2-inch vertical jump, a 10-foot, 1-inch broad jump, a 4.32-second short shuttle and a 6.79-second three-cone drill.

Last year, when the Jets had the 17th pick, the team sent Henry Ellard to scout Percy Harvin, DHB, and Jeremy Maclin among others. While he was in Urbana, we wouldn’t blame Ellard if his eye wandered to WR Jeff Cumberland – who looks to be a late round (6th or 7th round) pick that might interest the Jets.

E. Weeks wrote about Benn last month. In their most recent mocks, Kiper currently has Benn ranked 27th, and going 21st overall. McShay does not have Benn in the first round.

SCOUTING REPORT:

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Wide Receiver | Illinois | JR Arrelious Benn

Height: 6-1 | Weight: 219 | 40-Time: 4.53

Official Bio

Strengths:

Excellent size with a rocked up physique --- Extremely athletic --- Plays faster than he times and has a burst --- Terrific body control, ball skills and leaping ability --- Great vision --- Nice balance --- Elusive and can either evade defenders or run them over --- Works the middle and isn't afraid to take a hit --- Able to get off the line and beat the jam --- An above average blocker --- Real strong, physical and aggressive --- Is super tough and competitive --- Also a return man --- Still has upside.

Weaknesses:

Does not have natural hands and concentration wanes which leads to dropped passes --- Isn't a polished route runner --- Average timed speed and is not much of a vertical threat --- Appears to be tightly- wound and a tad stiff --- Durability is a concern --- Marginal production.

Notes:

Nickname is "Rejus", which is what many call him --- Was a three-year starter for the Fighting Illini --- A team captain as a sophomore and junior --- Named the 2007 Big Ten Freshman of the Year --- Garnered 1st Team All-Big Ten honors in 2008 --- Was a top recruit who had his pick of elite college programs out of high school but instead chose to join Ron Zook's rebuilding effort --- Caught at least one pass in 36 of 37 games played --- Averaged 23.7 yards with 1 touchdown on 42 career kick returns --- Was severely hampered by an ankle injury in 2009 --- Very talented wideout who was severely underutilized due to inconsistencies at the quarterback position --- Is physically mature and ready to play in the NFL right now --- Profiles as a starter and is the type who could end up being better in the pros than he was in college.

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Career Statistics

Year GP REC YDS YPC TD

2007 13 54 676 12.5 2

2008 12 67 1,055 15.8 3

2009 12 38 490 12.9 2

Totals 37 159 2,221 14.0 7

[Klecko73isGod]

I was excited about this kid until I read a detailed scouting report and those weaknesses scare the crap out of me in a WR:

Does not have natural hands and concentration wanes which leads to dropped passes --- Isn't a polished route runner --- Average timed speed and is not much of a vertical threat --- Appears to be tightly- wound and a tad stiff --- Durability is a concern --- Marginal production.

Pass.

[Stonehands]

Sounds like a slower version of DHB.

[Kentucky Jet]

I was excited about this kid until I read a detailed scouting report and those weaknesses scare the crap out of me in a WR:

Pass.

I do not know much about him but he did run a legit. 4.42 at his PRO day. Concentration can be improved upon. Lots of receivers have improved their hands and eye coordination over time.

My question is does hiis attributes outweigh his negatives. it looks that way to me. But time alone will tell if we draft him. The fact that we sent HENRY ELLARD to scout him indicates that the Jets have some interest in him. That is what I found revealing in the article.

[Klecko73isGod]

I do not know much about him but he did run a legit. 4.42 at his PRO day. Concentration can be improved upon. Lots of receivers have improved their hands and eye coordination over time.

My question is does hiis attributes outweigh his negatives. it looks that way to me. But time alone will tell if we draft him. The fact that we sent HENRY ELLARD to scout him indicates that the Jets have some interest in him. That is what I found revealing in the article.

Benn's negatives are poor hands, poor concentration, poor route running, average speed, not a vertical threat and most disturbingly - marginal production (he had 38 catches for 490 yards and only 2 TD last year which was a major drop off from his sophomore year, by contrast, Golden Tate increased his production by more than 30%) and you think his positives outweigh his negatives?

He reeks of a guy who worked his ass off to have a good pro day and improve his stock but will be a stiff at the next level.

[Mistalava]

I'll pass on Benn -- unless we just bring him in as a moving tackling dummy.

[Untouchable]

Dez Bryant

Golden Tate

Damian Williams

Demaryius Thomas

Mardy Gilyard

All WR's that I favor over Benn.

[#27TheDominator]

The negative to positive ratio might not be so bad if it didn't so closely match Braylon. I'd be looking more for a shiftier slot type guy. Wasn't somebody on here (Aten?) complaining about his total statistical lack of big play production? Of course, as far as it goes I'm glad they have Ellard kicking the tires on all these guys.

[Aten]

Wasn't somebody on here (Aten?) complaining about his total statistical lack of big play production?

Only if you think seven touchdowns in 37 games is bad.

[Klecko73isGod]

The negative to positive ratio might not be so bad if it didn't so closely match Braylon. I'd be looking more for a shiftier slot type guy. Wasn't somebody on here (Aten?) complaining about his total statistical lack of big play production? Of course, as far as it goes I'm glad they have Ellard kicking the tires on all these guys.

Right now I am wishing Tanny had pulled off the trade back into the first round of last year's draft and nabbed Percy Harvin.

[Kentucky Jet]

Benn's negatives are poor hands, poor concentration, poor route running, average speed, not a vertical threat and most disturbingly - marginal production (he had 38 catches for 490 yards and only 2 TD last year which was a major drop off from his sophomore year, by contrast, Golden Tate increased his production by more than 30%) and you think his positives outweigh his negatives?

He reeks of a guy who worked his ass off to have a good pro day and improve his stock but will be a stiff at the next level.

"Very talented wideout who was severely underutilized due to inconsistencies at the quarterback position --- Is physically mature and ready to play in the NFL right now --- Profiles as a starter and is the type who could end up being better in the pros than he was in college." ( This is what the article stated)

Also the team he played for was not exactly an Offensive powerhouse. I said that I didn't know much about the guy. I did not say that his positives outweigh his negatives. As with all stats they can be twisted any which way you want. It is a fact that his QB in his last year was inferior. That should be factored into the equation too. The guy ran a 4.42 and a 4.40. That is quick enough to be a vertical threat in the pros. I am not advocating for him to be a Jet. I prefer a pass rusher in RD1. But lets say it like it is.

[#27TheDominator]

Only if you think seven touchdowns in 37 games is bad.

It's not bad. For the sixth round.

Right now I am wishing Tanny had pulled off the trade back into the first round of last year's draft and nabbed Percy Harvin.

We'd be starting Tomlinson at RB. I'm comparably happy sitting here at WR. If we had Harvin we probably wouldn't have made the deal for Edwards and I doubt Harvin's production with the Jets O would have been comparable to what he did with the Vikings.

[dbatesman]

This is terrifying. Benn is crapola. If the Jets are looking for an Illini who parlayed great measurables into a completely forgettable college career, we may as well draft Isiah Williams. At least Juice had that big game against tOSU a couple years ago.

[Klecko73isGod]

"Very talented wideout who was severely underutilized due to inconsistencies at the quarterback position --- Is physically mature and ready to play in the NFL right now --- Profiles as a starter and is the type who could end up being better in the pros than he was in college." ( This is what the article stated)

Also the team he played for was not exactly an Offensive powerhouse. I said that I didn't know much about the guy. I did not say that his positives outweigh his negatives. As with all stats they can be twisted any which way you want. It is a fact that his QB in his last year was inferior. That should be factored into the equation too. The guy ran a 4.42 and a 4.40. That is quick enough to be a vertical threat in the pros. I am not advocating for him to be a Jet. I prefer a pass rusher in RD1. But lets say it like it is.

I want a receiver in Round 1. I just don't want this guy.

I think having Cromartie in the fold gives Rex the ability to throw even more exotic blitzes at QBs this year and the pass rush will come from that.

Judging our pass rush by sack totals isn't remotely accurate. Judge the Jets pass rush by third down passer rating and third down conversion percentage.

Pressure doesn't have to end in a sack to be effective. The Jets hit Matt Shaub and Tom Brady so much in the first two weeks last year, every team we played after that gameplanned to get rid of the ball quickly. As a result we saw a crapload of three step drops and quick screens designed specifically to keep QBs upright.

Nothing will change if we bring in a pass rushing specialist. What will generate more sacks is better coverage by the guys not named Revis in our secondary, hence the Cromartie and Pool moves.

We need a receiver more than a pass rusher.

[bitonti]

.

We need a receiver more than a pass rusher.

QFT

the Jets pass rush (sacks) was 17th in the league

the Jets passing offense was 31st in the league

[Sperm Edwards]

QFT

the Jets pass rush (sacks) was 17th in the league

the Jets passing offense was 31st in the league

Hang on. With the same team, other than Braylon Edwards replacing Laveranues Coles no less, we had the 16th ranked passing offense with a QB who came to the team a month before opening game, and who tore his shoulder with 1/3 of the season remaining.

We were 31st in the league in passing yards because we were 32nd in the league in passing attempts. That's because we had a rookie QB who was turning the ball over like no one's business combined with a solid ground game and a defense that prevented the necessity to pass so often.

Last year we wouldn't have had the #1 passing offense, in terms of passing yards, with the best QB in the league and the three best WR's in the league. We just wouldn't have.

But I think everyone not named Brad Smith or David Clowney would like to see the Jets address the WR position with better than a 4th to 7th round prospect.

[Ace21Black]

Hang on. With the same team, other than Braylon Edwards replacing Laveranues Coles no less, we had the 16th ranked passing offense with a QB who came to the team a month before opening game, and who tore his shoulder with 1/3 of the season remaining.

We were 31st in the league in passing yards because we were 32nd in the league in passing attempts. That's because we had a rookie QB who was turning the ball over like no one's business combined with a solid ground game and a defense that prevented the necessity to pass so often.

Last year we wouldn't have had the #1 passing offense, in terms of passing yards, with the best QB in the league and the three best WR's in the league. We just wouldn't have.

But I think everyone not named Brad Smith or David Clowney would like to see the Jets address the WR position with better than a 4th to 7th round prospect.

Ive been saying that for WEEKS...

Draft someone late...Groom them behind Cotch and Edwards...

Cothcery was a 4th rounder...Coles 3rd rounder...They worked out great for us...Plus...since we lost Wallace Wright, we can put that late round WR on Special Teams because I doubt a 1st round WR would want to make tackles on Special Teams...

[gang_green03]

The negative to positive ratio might not be so bad if it didn't so closely match Braylon. I'd be looking more for a shiftier slot type guy. Wasn't somebody on here (Aten?) complaining about his total statistical lack of big play production? Of course, as far as it goes I'm glad they have Ellard kicking the tires on all these guys.

That's why I would pass as well. They're games are to similar. I guess you could argue he'd be good value and also insurance if Braylon leaves but I think there will be other good players their who can contribute more. Not worth the risk for us.

[Sperm Edwards]

Ive been saying that for WEEKS...

Draft someone late...Groom them behind Cotch and Edwards...

Cothcery was a 4th rounder...Coles 3rd rounder...They worked out great for us...Plus...since we lost Wallace Wright, we can put that late round WR on Special Teams because I doubt a 1st round WR would want to make tackles on Special Teams...

Well Brad Smith was also a 4th rounder. Our late rounders involve the likes of Marcus Henry. I'd like to see one early-on, but not if we have to reach to get one. If only WR prospects available to us at #29 are #50-ish overall types, and even less for DT/DE tweeners, I'd like to see us trade down rather than reach. We don't have so many holes that trading up is a necessity. We'd do well to acumulate more picks in this draft.

[Ace21Black]

Well Brad Smith was also a 4th rounder. Our late rounders involve the likes of Marcus Henry. I'd like to see one early-on, but not if we have to reach to get one. If only WR prospects available to us at #29 are #50-ish overall types, and even less for DT/DE tweeners, I'd like to see us trade down rather than reach. We don't have so many holes that trading up is a necessity. We'd do well to acumulate more picks in this draft.

Marcus Henry(lol)

Stuckey(7th rounder or 6th rounder)...

I agree with the trading up comment...

but...I'm confident in our WR's because we also have Keller, who to me is another WR...

And...as far as trading up...I personally would move into the Cowboys spot(jump over SD) if Ryan Matthews(RB from Fresno State) is there...he is a young LT...Matthews can be your Greene of last year...Dont expect much from him, but he is there if we need him in case of an injury...In two years, you can pair Matthews and Greene...A very lethal 1-2 punch...

[Sperm Edwards]

Marcus Henry(lol)

Stuckey(7th rounder or 6th rounder)...

I agree with the trading up comment...

but...I'm confident in our WR's because we also have Keller, who to me is another WR...

And...as far as trading up...I personally would move into the Cowboys spot(jump over SD) if Ryan Matthews(RB from Fresno State) is there...he is a young LT...Matthews can be your Greene of last year...Dont expect much from him, but he is there if we need him in case of an injury...In two years, you can pair Matthews and Greene...A very lethal 1-2 punch...

I was never a fan of grooming RB's for a year or two. Those guys generally step right in if they're any good. (There are certainly exceptions like Thomas Jones). But I wouldn't want to trade UP to draft a RB in round 1, which would probably cost us our 4th rounder. Not for a guy we want to use as a part-timer.

Meh, who knows - I'll say this now and the guy will end up breaking the career TD record.