New York Jets 2019 NFL Draft Profile: RB Benny Snell, Jr.

In this 2019 NFL Draft profile, we look at the strengths, weaknesses, and New York Jets draft projection for running back Benny Snell, Jr. out Kentucky.

Snell is considered to be one of the best running backs in the 2019 NFL Draft. He has an NFL-ready skill set and should be a successful running back in this league for a long time. Many teams will want to get him, as there are many voids at the position he plays across the NFL. This looks to be one of the deepest running back classes we have seen in quite some time.

Snell’s height and build are somewhat reminiscent of Tennessee Titans running back David Cobb, as he enters the draft standing 5-foot-10 and weighing in at 224 pounds.  He was a leader for holding players responsible for their actions and how hard they play every single minute.

Snell was a very productive player in a tough conference in the SEC throughout his college career. If he is able to replicate the same impact as he did in college Snell could be a steal pick in the 2019 NFL Draft.

STRENGTHS

Snell has a strong first step step that allows him to find his lanes and explode through them.  He has excellent patience in letting his offensive line get blocks to develop in order for him to make a play. With his juking ability, he is able to create additional running room which opens the field up and allows more yards.

Snell has a very level and strong core base which allows him to power through arm tackles with no problem. No matter what the situation is, he always is powering himself through tackles. He always is making sure he gets the last yard of every play in giving his team the best chance on every drive.

He was a touchdown monster, racking up 48 total trips to the end zone over his career. He is also an above-average pass catcher out of the backfield, which is a major plus for organizations in what they are looking for. He is a very gritty player when he is running after the catch, as well.

WEAKNESSES

He has trouble at times when the holes the offensive line give him are tight and he is unable to squeeze through them. He doesn’t have that explosive, breakaway speed when he is 1-on-1. He can also struggle picking up blitzes, which could be a concern.

Even though he is a fighter, he struggles when he tries to burst at the line of scrimmage. That allows most defenses to obtain him easier, which could be a concern in late-game situations. When he is in tight spots on the field he has very heavy feet and is slow in his momentum change.

He has trouble regaining the extreme speed once he has to slow down, and he can’t gain that momentum back. When he tries to force himself into the point of attack, he has trouble in being confident and stalls. Even though he is very good in his core area, he is at times too tight, which wont allow him to make better decisions.

NEW YORK JETS PREDICTION

Considering his complete skill set, he will catch the eye of many NFL general managers. Once he is drafted into the right organization, he will need the correct guidance from the correct coaching staff to bring the best of him and teach him better movement with his legs.

Snell will be a successful player in the NFL, especially as he learns to perfect his craft by watching the more experienced veterans around him.

He should come off the board sometime in the middle rounds.

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