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2024 NFL Draft Scouting Report: Chico Bennett, EDGE, Virginia

Chico Bennett the standout pass rusher from Virginia is a player to keep on our radar if you are looking for a high-motored prospect.

Player Data

Name, Jersey #Chico Bennett, #15
School (Code)VAUN
DOB, Class Yr5th Year Senior
Height, Weight6040, 252
40 Yd Dash4.9
Position/DepthEDGE/1st 
Honors/CaptainshipN/A
Season Viewed (yr)2022
Games WatchedFLMI, NYSY, VADO
Scout Name / DateBryan Ault / 8-2-2023

Per Year Stats (Most Recent First)

20229 GP,  34 T, 17 Solo, 17 AST, 7 Sacks
2021DNP
202017 T, 12 Solo, 5 AST, 0.5 Sacks
201915 T, 11 Solo, 4 AST

Player Summary:

Senior. Transferred from Georgia Tech.  Has also aligned at ILB, but primarily a 2-point stance EDGE player.  Good size and strength for the position.  Tall, long, and athletic prospect who is an above-average pass rusher and average run defender.  As a pass rusher he is good.  Has a good first step, strong bull rush, and flashed decent edge speed especially v. FLMI.  Has good instincts and on-field awareness of where the ball is.  Has good leg drive and is able to get good vertical push v. bigger OTs.   Has good stamina, seems to get better as the game progresses, and doesn’t take many plays off.  Had several forced fumbles in the games viewed, has proven he can make plays.  Needs to develop more pass rush moves; primarily a bull rusher.  Plays a little high – would like to see him bend and play with better leverage.  Is a slow blitzer on stunts / twists – struggles to reach the QB in time.  Motor can be up and down; got locked down early v. ODU but really came alive in the other two games viewed.  Can bat down passes, drop back in coverage and cover short routes in the flat.  As a run defender, he is above-average.  Displays good range and hustle in the flat.  Good pursuit especially with chasing down ball carriers from the backside.  Is an above-average tackler but will occasionally break contain, over pursue ball carriers, and could learn to play under control.  Will get walked back and put on his toes; needs to bend and play with leverage.  Comes from a military family.  High character – reached out to a staff member who praised his work ethic, attitude, discipline and ability to play through pain.

Scheme Fit:

EDGE in 3-4.

Power Statement:

Chico is a good pass rusher who is coming off a strong season.  He is also an above-average run defender who has the size, length, athleticism, and frame to be a legitimate NFL prospect. 

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