November 17, 2012; Baton Rouge, LA, USA; LSU Tigers defensive tackle Bennie Logan (18) tackles Ole Miss Rebels quarterback Bo Wallace (14) during the second half at Tiger Stadium. LSU defeated Ole Miss 41-35. Mandatory Credit: Crystal LoGiudice-USA TODAY Sports
Whenever you find a 300 pound man who can rub a 4.8 40 yard dash you have to do your homework. LSU Tigers DT Bennie Logan really came into the spotlight before the season even began. Les Miles gave him the honor of wearing the 18 jersey. Logan lived up to the honor and helped anchor the Tigers defense along with Sam Montgomery and Barkevious Mingo. Now the speedy defensive tackle is blowing away his competition at the NFL Combine and hopes to do the same at his Pro Day on March 27.
Measurables:
6′ 2″ 309 lbs.
Strengths:
When you watch Logan you can’t help but drool at just how athletic the big guy is. Weighing in at nearly 300 pounds, he has the speed to catch up to running backs in close space and to get after the QB. Logan was impressive at the NFL Scouting Combine showing off his quick burst and speed. While he was unable to run his 40 at the combine, many believe it is between 4.8 and 4.9. It is rare to find a defensive tackle who has the speed and athleticism Logan has, and his draft stock continues to rise as he impresses more coaches and scouts in drills.
While Logan may not be great at getting after the QB, he is your prototypical run stuffer. He fights his way through the offensive line and gets into the backfield to blow up plays. Even when he is being held on a block he still has the ability to reach out and pull the running back down. Logan has good vision and is able to follow the play as it develops and then rush in to stop it at the line of scrimmage and stop the offense in short yardage situations.
Another aspect that I love about Logan is his knowledge of the game and his work ethic. He spends much of his off days watching film on the next offense he is going to face and game-planning for it. Logan is willing to put in the extra hours to become the best player possible, and that translates to the next level. Logan was honored with the No.18 in his final year at LSU, an honor for the player who represents the Tigers on and off the field.
Weaknesses:
While I love Bennie Logan’s speed, especially for a 300+ pound defensive tackle, I have some concerns about his height. At 6′ 2″ he will enter the NFL and immediately lose the size advantage. When matched up against bigger offensive lineman, he tends to get caught up with the blocker and can’t get away. In his biggest test against Barrett Jones and Chance Warmack of the Alabama Crimson Tide, he was pushed around and almost being a non-factor. It isn’t just his lack of size that hurts Logan, it is his frame and lack of strength. While he may have some lower body power, much of his struggles against Alabama were because of little upper body strength. While he has shown improvement and is getting stronger, he still tends to get overpowered and handled by his opponent.
When Logan makes it to the NFL he will have to adjust to his role as a situational player. He is an excellent run stuffer, but can’t put much pressure on the QB. He would become a liability on passing downs but even if he could get after the QB, he lacks the stamina to play every down.
Projection:
Logan doesn’t have the size or stamina to be an every-down player but there is still plenty to like about his game. He can come in right away and provide great interior defense against the run while he continues to work in the weight room. He has already shown at LSU his willingness to do whatever it takes to get better, and coaches will make sure that continues after he is drafted. Once Logan can bulk up and improve his stamina, I think he could turn into a very good starting defensive tackle. I expect Jones to make it in the late 3rd Round or early 4th.
Bennie Logan Highlights:
Grade: 7.0