Mel Kiper Jr. evaluates where FSU RB Trey Benson fits into 2024 running back class

The 2024 NFL Draft running back class doesn’t exactly jump off the page, but Florida State running back Trey Benson is certainly one of the better prospects.

No tailback is expected to go in the first-round, and there could even be a scenario where the best running backs prospects are still waiting to hear their name called into the third-round. That, ESPN NFL Draft analyst Mel Kiper Jr. says, is where a team could pursue someone like Benson, whom Kiper has rated as the No. 2 running back prospect behind only Jonathon Brooks of Texas.

“Running backs two through five are interchangeable,” Kiper said. “You got MarShawn Lloyd coming out of USC. You mention Benson, Audric Estime of Notre Dame and a host of others. It goes maybe seven or eight guys for that two through five spot. That’s kinda interchangeable. They’re all third to fifth-rounders and running backs historically drop because most teams have a stable of running backs already. And in this group, there’s gonna be some who one guy likes a little bit more than the other. And it’s gonna be a lot of mixed opinions. Trying to figure out your top-five, top-six running backs isn’t easy, but Benson is certainly one of those guys.”

Trey Benson becomes top RB prospect after two stellar seasons at Florida State

Benson’s journey to the NFL began with his upbringing in Greenville, Mississippi, and his prolific high school career at St. Joseph Catholic School. A four-star recruit coming out of high school, Benson committed to Oregon. He entered the transfer portal after two years in Eugene, committing to play for head coach Mike Norvell and the Seminoles.

Benson was one of the reasons for Florida State’s resurgence over the past two seasons, rushing for 1,896 yards and 23 touchdowns on 6.1 yards per carry. He earned second-team All-ACC honors in both of his seasons in Tallahassee. Benson helped lead the Seminoles to an undefeated regular season, which ended with an ACC Championship Game victory over Louisville. He opted out of the Capital One Orange Bowl against Georgia, announcing his intentions to declare for the NFL Draft.