FSU WR Kelvin Benjamin Finishing Strong, Improving Draft Stock

Dec 7, 2013; Charlotte, NC, USA; Florida State Seminoles wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin (1) runs by the tackle of Duke Blue Devils cornerback Ross Cockrell (6) during the third quarter at Bank of America Stadium. FSU defeated Duke 45-7. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports

You don’t see many wide receivers with the size and athleticism possessed by Florida State wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin, who checks in at 6-foot-5, 235 pounds. You also didn’t see a whole lot of production out of Benjamin, even with a first round pick at quarterback, last year as a freshman.

Benjamin came on a bit slow, catching 30 passes for 495 yards and four touchdowns, all of which are ‘alright’ numbers for a freshman receiver, but I think a lot of people expected him to come right in and dominate.

I can’t say that in year two, Benjamin has been dominant, but he’s certainly made some huge strides emerging as FSU’s number one receiver with likely Heisman Trophy winner Jameis Winston at the QB position.

On such a talented team and with all the off-field crap surrounding Winston in recent weeks, Benjamin has caught six touchdown passes in his last three games, and has gone over 100 yards in each of his last two games including a 219 yard performance against Florida (3 TDs).

Benjamin is starting to really figure out how dominant his size can make him, against almost any defensive back unless you have a freak out there like Richard Sherman or Brandon Browner. He’s finally starting to use his body to his advantage, and it has translated into 50 catches for 957 yards and 14 touchdowns. Barring the unforeseen, Benjamin will go over 1,000 yards this year and could finish with 15 or more touchdowns when Florida State caps off their season in the BCS National title game.

Early in his career, Benjamin was overweight, out of shape, and in his true freshman year, he needed a year to humble himself and realize what the rigors of college football is all about.

This year, Benjamin has finally gotten into NFL form, getting into the best shape of his life and showing the entire country what kind of dominant presence he can be at the wide receiver position. I think he’ll continue to improve with another year building chemistry with Jameis Winston in Tallahassee, and he’ll come back for his junior season and show the country that not only is he a matchup nightmare, he’ll be a first round pick when it’s all said and done.