Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals, Round 3, Pick 66
Trey Benson was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals in Round 3 with the 66th overall pick, according to Ian Rapoport.
Fantasy Football Impact for Trey Benson, Arizona Cardinals
Trey Benson is one of the very few backs in the 2024 draft with the skill set to play a three-down role in the NFL. At Florida State, he showed he is good at just about everything a running back needs to do, but he's not necessarily great at anything. He finished with just over 1,100 total yards in each of his last two seasons but only had one 100-yard game last season.
In 2024, he is set to play a complementary role to James Conner and should be able to learn a lot from the veteran back. No Arizona backup running back has finished with more than 116 carries during Conner's time with the team, but Benson is easily more talented than the others we've seen in that role.
As a rookie, 125-150 carries, with another 30 targets, could represent his floor. If Conner were to get hurt, we could be talking about Benson as a top-15 back in fantasy. After this season, Benson will likely take over the primary role, and when you look at an offense with Benson, Kyler Murray, Marvin Harrison Jr., and Trey McBride, there is reason to be excited about the Cardinals' offense moving forward.
The Fantasy Football Fallout
For the last three seasons, James Conner has basically had the Arizona backfield to himself. He averaged about 200 carries but hasn't played 17 games in any of those years. He'll be 29 when the season starts, and the Cardinals knew they would have to replace him sooner or later.
For 2024, Conner and Benson should coexist well, and Conner should end up with those same 200 carries for one more season. Next year, Benson should immediately take over the three-down role. Arizona claimed Michael Carter off waivers last season, but he failed to make much of an impact. The addition of Benson all but ends his time in Arizona.
Stock Watch
Risers
Fallers
Overview
The Arizona Cardinals drafted Trey Benson in the 3rd Round of the NFL Draft. Benson projects as a three-down back in the NFL, but he will spend at least his first season in a timeshare with James Conner. His real value lies in 2025 and beyond.
For more information on the 2024 NFL Draft, check out the Footballguys Rookie Draft Guide, where you can read about the Cardinals' Trey Benson and other rookie team fits.
