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 NCAA Scouting – Player Profile:
Earl Bennett, WR
by Jody Jamieson
9/4/2008
Earl Bennett’s Vanderbilt Pro Day caused a big stir in the land of the NFL. Not because Bennett is one of the top prospects in the 2008 NFL Draft (he’s not even the top rated prospect coming out of Vanderbilt, OT Chris Williams is), but because Denver Broncos quarterback and former Commodores signal caller Jay Cutler came back to his college roots to help Bennett out on his Pro Day. Cutler and Bennett put in a little bit of work over the few weeks before the 22nd March when Bennett caught all 22 of Cutler’s passes in front of a bunch of NFL scouts.
 Cutler was happy to help out as he says himself that Bennett was the best receiver he had in his time playing in college. Bennett caught 79 passes in his freshman year in 2005, the year before Cutler went 11th overall to the Broncos. Bennett will likely be chosen somewhere between 50th and 70th in my opinion, and may be an interesting pick-up for whoever snags him. I wonder if we could see a possible re-uniting with Cutler and Bennett in Denver.
What we like about Bennett
Likely to be a playmaking wide receiver in the NFL. We all love someone who can make the big plays and Bennett could be another one of those guys. He’s a very physical receiver who is unlikely to encounter press coverage issues. Will be able to be split out or play in the slot as he is a legit deep threat, and has quickness over a short area to be an effective slot guy. Has had very few injury worries in college so he won’t be a worry in that department to potential suitors.
Question Marks about Bennett
The biggest question mark against him is his general technique, both is his route running and his catching. Can be sloppy coming out of his breaks, and will occasionally double catch the ball. May struggle with ball security. Doesn’t have the elite speed to gain consistent separation.
Highlight of his college career
As a freshman, Bennett became the first SEC player in over 25 years to haul in 5 touchdown catches in a game in 2005. Kentucky were the victims. Carlos Carlson did it in 1977 for Louisiana State.
Other snippets of info
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Various Combine Stats: 4.48 sec 40 yard dash, 4.22 sec 20 yard shuffle.
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Holds the SEC record with 236 career receptions. Who knows how many he would have had if he’d stayed for his senior year!
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Minnesota, Jacksonville or New England may take a shot at him in the second round. If he falls to the third, he could interest Atlanta, Oakland or Baltimore.
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