Text Box: Text Box:

Available at most bookstores including:

Barnes & Noble, Borders, Joseph Beth

Books-A-Million, Hastings,  B.Dalton, Waldenbooks, and other fine retailers.

 

 

 

 

NFL Draft           2008 Draft Player Analysis

 

                         

Text Box: WR Rank 4 Rating 2.0 JUNIOR Earl Bennett Ht: 6-1 Wt: 205  Statistics 2007 75 receptions for 830 yards, 5 TDs, averaged 11.1 yards per reception. 2006 82 receptions for 1,146 yards, 6 TDs, averaged 14.0 yards per reception. 2005 79 receptions for 876 yards, 9 TDs, averaged 11.1 yards per reception. Analysis Bennett was a two-way star at West End High School in Birmingham, where he rushed for 829 yards and 12 TDs, caught 45 balls for 729 yards, intercepted 10 passes, and tallied 52 tackles as a cornerback prior to attending Vandy. He has good size and long legs for his height. Even though he does not have great 40 yard speed, he plays fast with great acceleration. He is a team player who competes hard on every down. Bennett finished his collegiate career as the SEC’s all-time reception leader with 236. He is also the first player in SEC history to have at least 75 receptions in three consecutive seasons. In fact, no other player has even produced consecutive seasons of 75 catches or more. It was obvious that Bennett was the go-to player, yet defenses still could not shut him down. Making his production even more impressive is that Bennett was not surrounded by top-notch skill position players at Vandy. He works hard in the weight room and is physical on the field. Bennett has excellent hands, rarely drops the ball, and is a natural pass catcher. He runs crisp routes and is quick in and out of his cuts. He reads coverages well and adjusts his patterns accordingly. Bennett gains separation off the line of scrimmage using his acceleration, quickness, and upper body strength. He is adept at finding seams in zones and out-muscling defenders to the ball. He also uses outstanding body control to adjust to the ball when it is in the air. Bennett is a solid blocker who always gives an effort. In conclusion, Bennett may not be flashy and his upside may not be as high as some, but his production speaks for itself. He is reminiscent of the Pittsburgh Steelers’ Hines Ward in many respects although Bennett is more polished at the same point when comparing their careers.

          Draft Main                               Player Index                             Next Player