Kelvin Benjamin is an imposing player, and new Buffalo Bills teammate Richie Incognito offered an apt description of the receiver’s stature.
According to Kimberly Jones of NFL Media, Incognito said he first talked to Benjamin in the sauna and asked about his height, weight and speed.
The 6’5″, 245-pound wideout ran a 4.61-second 40-yard dash at the combine in 2014. That combination impressed Incognito.
“I was like, ‘OK, you’re a certified freak.’ Adding a guy like that, who’s a legit deep threat and who’s going to take some attention, I hope that will open up things in our passing game and that will open up things in our running game, and vice versa.”
Granted, Benjamin doesn’t play with 4.6 speed. In fact, the Carolina Panthers traded him at the deadline in hopes of getting “more speed” on the field, according to Joe Person of the Charlotte Observer.
Still, he’s a valuable addition for a Bills offense that lacks a go-to target on the outside. Jordan Matthews is pacing the group of receivers with just 21 receptions. Andre Holmes’ three touchdowns are a team-high mark, yet he’s only snared 12 passes.
Most of Buffalo’s pass-catching damage comes from elsewhere.
Running back LeSean McCoy leads all players at 38 receptions, and tight end Charles Clay — despite missing three games — has 20 grabs for a team-best 258 yards.
Benjamin had 32 catches for 475 yards with the Panthers.
If the Bills receive even similar production from their ‘certified freak,” it’ll give Tyrod Taylor and the passing game a much-needed jolt.