Rayshaun Benny Draft Grade | Round 7, Pick 34 | FanVerdicts

A+

Top 3%Pick Grade

Pick Context

Market Value

Steal

Position

DT · Standard Position

Decision Grade reflects market consensus at the moment of the pick. Teams often have private information the consensus does not.

Scouting Report

Big Board Rank: #129 · Day 3 Sleeper

Rayshaun Benny emerged as a steady presence in Michigan's defensive interior during his three-year career, developing from a rotational contributor to a reliable starter. The Detroit native possesses a solid combination of size, strength, and football IQ that makes him an intriguing developmental prospect. Benny's game is built around consistent gap control and his ability to occupy blockers in run defense, though he lacks the explosive pass rush upside that elevates interior linemen into premium rounds. His late-career surge in 2025, including a strong showing in Michigan's College Football Playoff run, has generated momentum heading into the draft process.

Strengths

+Excellent gap discipline and run defense awareness, rarely caught out of position and maintains lane integrity consistently throughout games.

+Strong anchor point against double teams with the lower body strength to hold his ground and force running backs to bounce outside.

+High football IQ and pre-snap recognition allow him to identify blocking schemes quickly and adjust his rush path accordingly.

+Consistent motor and effort level, rarely takes plays off and continues to pursue ball carriers from backside positions.

+Effective use of hands to shed blocks, showing proper technique with club and rip moves to disengage from offensive linemen.

+Surprising lateral mobility for his size allows him to slide down the line of scrimmage and make tackles on outside zone runs.

+Strong leadership presence in the locker room and on the field, serving as a vocal communicator for defensive line adjustments.

+Excellent conditioning and durability, playing significant snaps throughout his college career without missing time due to fatigue.

+Solid fundamentals in his pass rush technique, maintaining proper pad level and using leverage effectively against interior blockers.

+Shows flashes of interior pass rush ability with timing stunts and games, demonstrating understanding of how to create pressure in tandem with teammates.

+Reliable in short-yardage and goal-line situations, using his bulk and leverage to collapse the pocket and stuff running attempts.

Weaknesses

-Limited pass rush repertoire with minimal ability to consistently beat one-on-one blocks against quality interior offensive linemen.

-Lacks the explosive first step needed to penetrate into the backfield and disrupt plays before they develop.

-Can be vulnerable to cut blocks and low attacks from smaller, quicker offensive linemen who get underneath his pads.

-Limited range as a pass rusher, struggling to affect the quarterback when rushing from wide alignments or in obvious passing situations.

-Inconsistent hand usage when engaged with blockers, sometimes allowing linemen to get into his chest and control him.

-Average length for the position can make it difficult to disengage from longer-armed centers and guards in pass protection.

-Tends to play too upright at times, losing leverage advantage and allowing offensive linemen to get underneath him.

-Limited upside as a three-down player due to pass rush limitations, projecting more as a run-stuffing specialist early in his career.

NFL Comparison: Maliek Collins

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