I will assume that KB's routes have improved being that no one has specifically addressed it

[top dawg]

We have heard that Kelvin Benjamin has been showing out in camp thus far, to the point where our very own Jeremy Igo basically said that he was starting to sound like a broken record reporting that Benjamin is having an outstanding camp.  Well, inquiring minds want to know how his routes are looking. David Newton's article touched on it indirectly, but no one has really said how KB's routes are actually looking these days.

But there are signs Benjamin is ready to take his game to another level.

Catches like the one over Norman and the comeback route he made later are examples of that.

“It’s the will of wanting to do it," Benjamin said. “Now I’m focused more running that route. I’m just focusing on getting low, coming out of the route and getting separation. I think now it is the will of wanting to come back.”

I am sure that everyone is glad to hear that KB has come into camp more focused and intent on improving his techniques and routes, but how are the specifics? Is he still getting by on using his massive frame, or has he added some more nuances to his skill set? Has anyone specifically scrutinized him enough in camp to really know some specifics?

[X-Clown on 1]

The two practices that I've seen him in person, there were two main improvements that stuck out:

1)  He's altering his speed throughout the route.  Meaning, he's not going 100% from the start of the route until he catches the ball.  He's using different tempos to draw the DB where he wants him and then explodes through his cut to create separation.  He's done this several times to Norman and is pretty much having his way with him.  

2)  Once he's caught the ball, not in stride, but where he turns around and the defender is right there.  He is making a quick fake step in one direction and exploding the other way.  He's forcing a lot of missed tackles by the DB's, due to setting up bad angles.  

He's definitely elevated his route running and just overall understanding of how the defenders are going to cover him.  He's thinking two steps ahead, instead of just going through the motions.

 

[RelaxImaPro]

The two practices that I've seen him in person, there were two main improvements that stuck out:

1)  He's altering his speed throughout the route.  Meaning, he's not going 100% from the start of the route until he catches the ball.  He's using different tempos to draw the DB where he wants him and then explodes through his cut to create separation.  He's done this several times to Norman and is pretty much having his way with him.  

2)  Once he's caught the ball, not in stride, but where he turns around and the defender is right there.  He is making a quick fake step in one direction and exploding the other way.  He's forcing a lot of missed tackles by the DB's, due to setting up bad angles.  

He's definitely elevated his route running and just overall understanding of how the defenders are going to cover him.  He's thinking two steps ahead, instead of just going through the motions.

 

[t96]

His movement were a lot more fluid than last year. Actually very surprising to me considering his size. He's no Jerry Rice and never will be when it comes to route running, but he's definitely shown improvement from what I have seen. Last year he basically  won his match ups because of size, and understanding how to use his size. This year he'll still have that and an improved route tree and hopefully improved hands/concentration. He's still nowhere near his ceiling, and that should be scary for corners throughout the rest of the NFCS and league.