2016 NFL Draft Profile: Caleb Benenoch of UCLA
Go Joe Bruin profiles former UCLA Football OL Caleb benenoch as he prepares for the 2016 NFL Draft.
2016 NFL Draft Profile: Caleb Benenoch #74 – UCLA
Katy, TX
The Upside
Benenoch started for three years along UCLA’s offensive line seeing time mostly at the tackle positions. Gifted natural movement skills and long arms, Benenoch became a road grater in the run game and helped pave the way for Paul Perkins.
His pass protection has improved and has all of the tools to become a very strong pass blocker. Although he played mostly right tackle while at UCLA, has the athleticism, feet and frame to move over to the left side if he continues to develop. Is a very slim 305 lbs. with no bad weight.
The Improvements needed
Pass blocking is subpar at this state of his career and wasn’t asked to have a traditional backpedal in pass protection due to UCLA’s offensive scheme.
Needs to do a better job with his hands and despite his long arms can occasionally allow defenders into his frame negating his natural length. Must get stronger but may not be able to add additional weight to his frame given his natural V shaped body.
UCLA Bruins
Vital Stats
Position-Offensive Tackle
Height-6’5
Weight-305lbs
Arm Length-34 1/8”
Hand Size-10”
Combine Stats
Grade-5.3
Bench-25 reps (UCLA pro day)
40-4.98 secs
Vert-DNP
Broad Jump-104”
2015 Stats
9 starts at right tackle with 4 starts at guard.
NFL Draft Projections
Walterfootball.com- Round 5 Selection #172, Cleveland Browns
NFL.com- Round 3 Selection #77, Cleveland Browns
Final Analysis
As athletic as Benenoch is, he still has plenty of tools at his disposal. Still he will need to step his game up at the next level and show that he has what it takes to be a strong pass protector otherwise it won’t matter how strong of a run blocker he is. Compares favorably to athletic left tackle Terron Armstead of the New Orleans Saints in terms of ability but also needing to demonstrate that he has the ability to be an NFL caliber offensive tackle.
Next: Sports Illustrated Has 3 Bruins Going in the First 3 Rounds of the NFL Draft
Final Grade: 4th round.