The 2014 NFL Draft is loaded with receiving prospects, headlined by Clemson’s Sammy Watkins and USC’s Marqise Lee, yet two of the most intriguing prospects are Florida State’s Kelvin Benjamin and Penn State’s Allen Robinson. Both of these receivers are projected as late first, early second round selections and both are very similar players. Both players are big receivers who are able to use their size to make plays.
Jan 6, 2014; Pasadena, CA, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (1) catches a pass for a touchdown as Auburn Tigers cornerback Chris Davis (11) tackles during the second half of the 2014 BCS National Championship game at the Rose Bowl. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Kelvin Benjamin, according to ESPN.com, measures in at 6-5, 235 lbs. Benjamin saw tons of action this year, as he played a major role in Florida States undefeated, championship run this season. Benjamin hauled in 54 catches for 1,011 yards and 15 touchdowns. One game that stands out when you think about Benjamin is when Florida State took on Florida, where Benjamin was matched up with Florida’s Loucheiz Purifoy. Benjamin played very well, catching nine balls for 200+ yards and three touchdowns, but he dropped three balls, two of which he was wide open. Another weakness for Benjamin is his route running, he needs to be more crisp in and out of his breaks. Benjamin showed he has the speed and quickness to excel in the NFL, but he will have to eliminate the amount of mental lapses he has during games, because he can’t afford to drop as many balls as he does.
Pro Comparison: Alshon Jeffrey (2nd Round)
Allen Robinson, also according to ESPN, measures in at 6-3, 210 lbs. Allen Robinon was able to follow up his
Nov 2, 2013; University Park, PA, USA; Penn State Nittany Lions wide receiver Allen Robinson (8) makes a catch during the fourth quarter against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Beaver Stadium. Penn State defeated Illinois 24-17. Mandatory Credit: Matthew O
break out 2012 campaign with another big season in 2013, as he quickly became Christian Hackenberg’s top target. Robinson caught 97 balls, for 1,432 yards and 6 touchdowns. Robinson is very good at utilizing his body and he excels at going up for balls. He has strong hands, which allow him to beat jams and catch contested balls. Just like Benjamin, Robinson’s concentration is up and down and he needs to work on his route running. Robinson also lacks top notch speed, but he makes up for it by using his big body and strong hands very well.
Pro Comparison: Aquan Boldin (2nd Round)
Both Robinson and Benjamin are physical, big bodied receivers, which the NFL is trending towards. Robinson and Benjamin are very similar prospects, in fact so similar, that I wouldn’t be surprised if a handful of teams preferred Robinson and some preferred Benjamin. Luckily for NFL GMs, both Benjamin and Robinson have the potential to be superstars in the next level, so neither is a bad option.