Carolina Panthers wide receiver Kelvin Benjamin wasn't concerned about his performance in the 40-yard dash at the NFL Combine this past February, despite ranking 36th among all wideouts. He claims that he purposely ran slower because he wanted to play for the Panthers, according to David Newton of ESPN.
Kelvin Benjamin points out how silly combine 40 times are
Kelvin Benjamin wanted to be in Carolina so badly that he purposely ran slower at the combine.
Jeremy Brevard-USA TODAY Sports
Cam Newton is a fun player to watch and his Superman nickname is pretty cool, but come on, you really wanted to play for a team that had one winning season in the previous five years and an offense that ranked 26th in 2013? Drew Brees isn't good enough for you? It seems a bit ludicrous that Benjamin's slow 40 time was the result of a conscious decision by the receiver so that he could share a city with Michael Jordan.
Regardless, his wish was granted when he was taken 28th overall by Carolina, eight spots after the receiver with the fastest 40-yard dash time -- Brandin Cooks, who was selected at No. 20 by the New Orleans Saints. The two receivers, who have been among the best in a star-studded rookie class, will face off for the first time on Thursday night. Cooks leads all rookies with 40 receptions; Benjamin is tied for the lead in touchdown catches (five) and ranks second in receiving yards (571).
The Panthers’ first-round pick, however, was quick to dismiss any comparisons between the two pass catchers and noted that 40 times are largely overrated, a point he’s been able to back up with his production this season. Cooks and Benjamin are really two totally different receivers because of their size. Cooks (5’10, 185 pounds) is one of the fastest receivers in the league and has the ability to stretch the field, while Benjamin (6’5, 240 pounds) is more of a possession receiver who can make tough catches in traffic.
Thursday night’s game should be a dandy to watch.
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