Chiefs draft search for interior disruption could lead to Rayshaun Benny

The defensive tackle depth in this class might be amongst the worst at any position in this class (besides quarterback). There are not a lot of guys who profile as more than role players. With the 100 prospects project, it's been hard to find big guys on the inside to get excited about, but Rayshaun Benny flashes potential that will make teams believe in his upside.

Rayshaun Benny mentioned in an interview at the Senior Bowl that the Chiefs were one of the teams to show the most interest in him over the week. It's easy to see why, as the Chiefs still have plenty of need at the position. Even with the addition of Khyiris Tonga, the Chiefs' interior is essentially Tonga, Chris Jones, and Omarr Norman-Lott, fresh off a torn ACL and with 5 career games. The Chiefs will likely make a pick at defensive tackle and might need another signing too.

Finding a penetrating 3-technique is even harder in this class. Benny is one of the few fits for the Chiefs' style of defensive line, but there's a reason why he's sitting on the outside of the top 100 on the consensus big board.

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NFL Draft Profile: Rayshaun Benny, IDL, Michigan

1. Rayshaun Benny's background
2. Rayshaun Benny's strengths
3. Rayshaun Benny's weaknesses
4. Rayshaun Benny's fit with the Chiefs

Rayshaun Benny's background

Age: 24 (on draft day)

Height: 6-3

Weight: 298 LBS

Hands: 9 1/4

Arms: 33 3/8

Tape Exposure: Nebraska (2025), USC (2025) and Maryland (2025)

Benny attended Oak Park High School in the inner Detroit suburbs. Benny played both defensive end and left tackle and was very successful at both. He received several offers from high-level programs as a tackle. He was rated as a 4-star prospect and the #6 recruit in the state. He received offers from Auburn, Florida State, Georgia, LSU, Miami, Michigan, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Texas A&M. As a Michigan native, he committed to Michigan State out of high school but flipped to Michigan.

Rayshaun Benny's strengths

Pass Rush Ability

Despite only having 4 career sacks (in 16 career starts), Benny has shown skills that suggest he is a refined pass rusher, pairing above-average lateral agility with a great first step and nice long arms that help him lock out blockers.

Run Defense

Had 12 tackles for loss in his brief time starting, holds firm at the point of attack. Stronger lower half for a sub-300 LBS defensive tackle. Has some "wow" moments where he wrecks plays before they ever start. Averaged 16.5 run stops per season over his final 3 seasons.

Hand Usage

As a former left tackle with several high-level Division 1 offers, he understands the importance of both length and hand technique. His hands are very active and help him counter blockers.

Rayshaun Benny's weaknesses

Injury History

Had knee surgery due to a car accident in high school. Broke his fibula in the Rose Bowl versus Alabama and missed the National Championship against Washington. Had hernia surgery in 2022 as well.

Production Profile

A fifth-year senior who has only started 16 games in his career, paired with 4 career sacks. Not the largest body of work to point to. He sat behind Kenneth Grant, Kris Jenkins, and Mason Graham to wait his turn.

Anchor

Run defense is more based in splash plays, shooting gaps and winning with speed. Not going to hold up well against double teams or be a true two-gapping presence.

Rayshaun Benny's fit with the Chiefs

Benny could be a nice balance between what they drafted Omarr Norman-Lott as out of Tennessee and what they signed Tonga to be. Benny might be more stout against the run than Norman-Lott was coming out of college. He's not going to be a run stuffer, but he holds up enough to spell Chris Jones and add depth overall. His athleticism and length are both nice fits for the Chiefs thresholds.

Benny is a refined interior pass rusher with length, active hands, and lateral quickness to win with finesse and disrupt on stunts. Flashes the ability to control gaps and keep blockers off his frame but lacks mass and struggles to anchor vs. double teams. Pad level, balance, and pass-rush counters need development.

Round Grade: Grey Chip (Day 3 Grade)

Shades of: Daron Payne