Rayshaun Benny is one of those evaluations that’s going to split some people, and honestly, it shouldn’t. You turn on the tape, and you see a player who understands how to play defensive line the right way. Not flashy. Not a stat-sheet chaser. Just consistent, disciplined, and reliable in the areas that actually matter on early downs.
This is a five-year player at Michigan, has paid his dues behind NFL talent, developed in a pro-style system, and when he finally got his shot as a full-time starter in 2025, he didn’t look out of place. That matters a lot.
There’s this idea floating around that if you’re not a dominant, Pro Bowl-caliber guy, you’re not worth talking about early. That’s not how NFL rosters are built. Benny falls into that category of “he can play, he can play, he can play.” Maybe he’s not a 10-year star. Maybe he’s a 5–7 year guy. That’s fine. Those guys make up the backbone of a defensive line room.
What you’re getting is a dependable interior defender who understands gap integrity, plays with effort, and doesn’t bust assignments. And in today’s NFL, where one missed fit can turn into six points, that has real value. This line fit him perfectly, 50% of the league is made up of guys who are day 3 or undrafted players. Benny will be in this league for years. Bank it!
Athletic Profile
At just over 6’3” and around 300 pounds, he has solid length and enough mass to hold his own inside, but he’s not a true nose tackle build. He’s more of a 3-tech/4-I hybrid depending on the front. His game is built more on technique, leverage, and hand usage than pure explosiveness.
You’re not getting a guy who’s going to win the first step and live in the backfield consistently. What you are getting is a lineman who can move laterally, stay square, and work down the line without losing himself in the rep.
- Good functional lateral movement when working down the line
- Adequate quickness to execute slants and stunts
- Length shows up consistently in extension and block control
- Plays with enough play strength to survive one-on-one matchups
The biggest limitation here is his anchor against double teams. When bigger offensive lines get movement on him downhill, he can struggle to drop weight and hold ground. That’s where the “undersized” conversation starts to creep in, but it’s more about play strength and pad level than pure size.
Strengths
This is where Benny earns his keep. His game is built on doing the little things right, over and over again.
He understands how to use his hands. He understands how to stay square. And most importantly, he understands how to play within a defensive structure. That’s not something you can say about every college defensive lineman coming into the league.
As a run defender, he’s dependable. He locks out, locates the ball, and disengages with purpose. He’s not guessing, he’s reading and reacting.
- Consistent hand placement to control and separate from blockers
- Strong two-gap ability with proper lockout and vision
- Flashes a reliable arm-over move to defeat guards
- Active hands that don’t stay stuck on blocks
- Works laterally and stays involved in the play
- Disciplined in gap responsibility and run fits
There’s also something to be said about his experience. Over 50 career games in a system like Michigan’s, playing in big moments, in big games, that shows up in how calm and controlled he is on tape.
He’s not freelancing. He’s executing.
Weaknesses
Now, let’s be real about the limitations, because they do exist, and they matter for projection.
The biggest concern is pass rush. Right now, it’s limited. He doesn’t have a deep toolbox, and when his initial move stalls, the rep usually stalls with it. You’re not drafting him to be an interior disruptor on third down.
There’s also the anchor issue. Against double teams, especially downhill run schemes, he can get moved. Part of that is pad level creeping up, and part of it is just not having elite lower-body power.
- Limited pass-rush plan and counter moves
- Doesn’t generate consistent interior pressure
- Struggles to anchor versus double teams
- Pad level rises, especially on movement plays
- Only one year as a full-time starter
- Medical history (fibula injury, prior knee issue) will be evaluated closely
He’s also not a sudden athlete. You’re not going to see explosive get-off or twitch that stresses offensive linemen. That caps his ceiling as a playmaker.
But again, that doesn’t mean he can’t play.
NFL Projection
This is where you have to be honest about what he is, and what he isn’t.
Benny projects as a rotational interior defensive lineman who can contribute on early downs in both one-gap and two-gap schemes. He fits best in a system that values discipline, structure, and gap control over pure penetration.
He’s a guy you trust to come in, play his snaps, and not hurt you. And there’s value in that, especially late in the draft.
You’re likely looking at:
- Early-down rotational defensive tackle
- Scheme-versatile (can function in multiple fronts)
- Depth piece with potential to grow into a spot starter
- Core special teams/field goal unit contributor early in career
He’s not going to be the centerpiece of your defensive line. But he can absolutely be part of a rotation that keeps your defense on schedule.
The Last Word on Rayshaun Benny
Here’s the reality: not everybody is built to be a star, and that’s okay.
Rayshaun Benny is a football player. A real one. The kind of guy who understands his role, plays within it, and gives you consistent, reliable reps when he’s on the field.
You can get caught up chasing traits, upside, and splash plays. Or you can recognize a guy who knows how to play the position the right way. He may never be a Pro Bowler. He may never be a household name. But there’s a very real path where he sticks in the league for years because coaches trust him. And at the end of the day, when you’re building out a defensive line room…
You need guys like that.
Main Image: Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
