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Benton Whitley NFL Draft Profile
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Benton Whitley Scouting ReportWhitley plays with impressive leverage, power and aggression at the point of attack. Featuring the always-desirable wrestling background, that is evident in his polished upper body technique. His 2016 high school wrestling record finished at 49-1, including a state title. Whitley gets consistently good extension with an impactful punch on first contact. The hands land accurately and will violently work off contact with swipes and rips. Benton plays with good movement, footwork and short-area quickness. There are numerous examples on film of effective initial burst, lateral shifts and stunts. His closing speed results in finishing off backside pursuits and in making plays out with the tackle box. Whitley is a forceful finisher who utilizes his momentum in his physical takedowns. Though a relatively longer shot to be drafted, it would not surprise to see him impress in camp given the opportunity. His strength, motor, technique and toughness could translate well.
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Areas for ImprovementBenton needs to work on angles and finding the ballcarrier quicker. He does not possess elite quickness. He fails to brek down at times, grabbing shoulder pads and lunging to allow ball carriers to elude him. He occasionally overruns plays due to aggressive nature. He attacks the line but needs work on stacking and shedding blocks.
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Benton Whitley Career at SchoolBenton Whitley played for head coach Steve Allosso at Minnechaug Regional High School in Wilbraham, Mass. He served as team captain during his senior season. He earned All-State honors as a senior, a two-time first team All-Western Massachusetts selection. He broke the school record with 14 career quarterback sacks and also lettered in wrestling, posting a 49-1 record in 2016, while winning the state and Western Massachusetts titles. As a freshman in 2017, Benton appeared in two games as a backup linebacker. He saw action against UConn and New Hampshire. Following season he saw action in 10 games along the defensive line. He totaled 17 tackles on the year with 16 solo stops. He registered three sacks and six tackles for loss. As a junior in 2019, Whitley started all 13 games at defensive end. He was named first team All Patriot League and second team All ECAC. He totaled 33 tackles on the year, including 28 solo stops, five sacks and seven tackles for loss. He also defended two pass breakups. He finished the season ranked ninth in the Patriot League in sacks. In his senior campaign, Benton was All Patriot League first team selection. He started all four games at defensive end. He totaled 12 tackles on the year, along with a pair of sacks and two quarterback hurries. He had six tackles in the Patriot League Championship game against Bucknell, along with one quarterback hurry and two sacks for a loss of 25 yards. |
Name NFL Draft Player ProfileWhitley's balance and ability to accelerate up the arc make him a tough assignment for any offensive lineman. After forcing blockers into oversets, Whitley showed the ability to counter inside on the third day of practice for the NFLPA Bowl.
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