2023 NFL Draft Diamonds Scouting Report: Kivon Bennett, DE, Arkansas State

Kivon Bennett is a disruptive, high-motor defensive end in Arkansas State's defense. He's one of the most athletic edge rushers in this year's NFL Draft class. Hula Bowl scout, Bryan Ault breaks down Bennett in this article. — Kivon Bennett is a disruptive, high-motor defensive end in Arkansas State’s defense. He’s one of the most athletic edge rushers in this year’s NFL Draft class. Hula Bowl scout, Bryan Ault breaks down Bennett in this article.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #	Kivon Bennett, #5
School (Code)	ARST
DOB, Class Yr	1-28-1999, RS SR.
Height, Weight	6014, 240
40 Yd Dash	4.70
Arms, Hands	3238, 0918
Position/Depth	EDGE, Starter
Honors/Captainship	Phil Steele 2nd Team All Sun Belt, PFF 1st Team All Sun Belt
Season Viewed (yr)	2021
Games Watched	SCCC, LASW, GAST
Scout Name / Date	Bryan Ault – 9-5-2022

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

2021	ARST: 58 T, 28 S, 30 AST, 8 Sacks, 2 FF
2020	TNUN: 22 T, 13 S, 9 AST, 4.5 Sacks
2019	TNUN: 27 T, 13 S 14 AST, 2 Sacks
2018	TNUN: 2 T, 1 Solo, 1 AST, 0 Sacks
2017	TNUN: redshirted

Player Summary:

RS Sr; transferred from Tennessee. Son of Buffalo Bills Great Cornelius Bennett. Twitched-up EDGE player who has great instincts, pursuit, and a high motor to add value to an NFL team. Versus the run, he is very good; exhibits strength at the point-of-attack and is around the ball. Has strong pursuit skills and takes good angles to ball carriers. Has very active feet and hands, quick to read and react. Good at shedding blocks, reaching the backfield and wrapping up. Good lateral mover who can keep his shoulders square to ball carriers. Does a good job of playing under control with good discipline and not breaking contain. Will get pushed back around the goal line and would like to see him anchor better. As a pass rusher, he is very good. Flashed a very good spin move v. GAST that he needs to utilize more. Twitchy and explosive hips. Has a quick first step; shows ability to encircle blockers and takes good angles to the QB. Does not drop in coverage but showed ability to deflect passes at the LOS. Has a high motor and plays with good effort; does a great job of pursuing both ball carriers and the QB. Can win a foot race – recovered a fumble and returned for a touchdown v. GAST. Needs to learn to replace his hands and rip under when shedding blocks. High effort really shines on film. Athletic player who has the frame to hold more weight in an NFL program. Height projects him to OLB where his range and pursuit skills would be a great fit.