Trey Benson (ARI) — RB2 behind James Conner

1) 2025 outlook (concise)
- Role: Primary backup in ARI’s backfield; likely a near-equal committee partner with Conner when healthy. Expect limited standalone value in base/standard unless Conner misses time.
- Workload baseline: No offseason backfield additions. If Conner stays healthy, Benson projects roughly 100–125 touches (carries) plus 15–25 targets across 16 games; translates to a low-end flex in many formats.
- Upside scenario: If Conner is injured or limited, Benson could approach 15–18 carries per game with multiple-game workloads, potentially 150–200+ touches in a short span and some goal-line work.
- Efficiency note: 2024 rookie underwhelming on efficiency in some metrics (relYPC concerns in some analyses), but 4.6 yards-per-carry on limited volume is a positive signal when given opportunities. TIE metric shows mid-range efficiency; not a clear standout.
- Pass-game role: Limited but real. Preseason peek shows at least one 20-yard reception; indicates some involvement on passing downs, though involvement is uncertain.

2) Sentiment from Reddit posts
- Positive but cautious: Several threads suggest Benson could “feast” if Conner misses time; others emphasize he’s a handcuff with upside rather than a standalone RB2.
- Conner relationship: James Conner publicly framed as complementary peers in 2025 (“we’re both RB1, he’s gonna play a lot this year”). Still, this helps Benson’s perceived role but grounds expectations in a tandem, not a solo workload.
- Draft philosophy signals: Benson is consistently shown as a late-round bench/stash or depth piece; not a reliable weekly RB2 in standard drafts unless injury occurs.
- Competitive context: No major backfield additions for ARI in 2025 strengthens Benson’s case for increased role if injury or inefficiency surfaces in Conner’s workload.
- 2nd-year breakout chatter: Benson appears in discussion lists as a potential “2nd-year breakout” but with caveats; many see him as a preparatory piece who could surge if opportunity arises.

3) FF Hound expert note
- FF Hound analysis snippet shows a stop indicator on Trey Benson without a full verdict. Interpret as caution/undervalued by this source; no decisive endorsement or disapproval. Treat as neutral-to-mildly wary signal.

4) Key discussion points to monitor
- Conner durability and workload split updates (early preseason notes and training camp reports).
- ARI offensive environment: overall efficiency, goal-line opportunities, and game scripts that could favor Benson in certain weeks.
- Injury-driven upside: frequency and duration of potential Conner misses; Benson’s ability to handle a feature-back load when called upon.
- Pass-catching role: clarity on third-down duties and target share in real games beyond preseason.

5) Practical draft guidance
- Redraft: Do not draft Benson as a safe RB2. Consider him as a late-round bench stash or high-upside handcuff, particularly in deeper leagues or best-ball formats.
- Standard vs PPR: Slight edge in PPR if Benson sees any meaningful pass-game work; still not a reliable floor in standard leagues.
- Dynasty: Holds respectable upside as a long-term RB depth piece; value increases if Conner’s expiration timeline or durability becomes a concern.

6) Risk flags
- Offense projection: Cardinals’ 2025 offense may limit sustained scoring opportunities.
- Primary backfield competition: While no major additions, real NFL games require production; Benson must beat out Conner’s volume to maintain meaningful weeks without injuries.
- Efficiency variability: Some metrics flagged lower-than-ideal efficiency in 2024; optimistic breakout would require efficiency gains or workload expansion.

Bottom line
- Benson is a high-upside depth piece in 2025, with real conditional upside only if Conner misses time. Expect limited standalone weekly value in the majority of weeks, with occasional spike weeks in injury scenarios. Target only as a late-round stash or handcuff in redraft; treat as a dynasty nucleus only if you can weather months of uncertainty.