Pre-Season Scouting Report – Michael Bennett, DT Ohio State
By Peter Smith
2014 Schedule
| Sat, Aug. 30 | at Navy |
| Sat, Sept. 6 | vs. Virginia Tech |
| Sat, Sept. 13 | vs. Kent State |
| Sat, Sept. 27 | vs. Cincinnati |
| Sat, Oct. 4 | at Maryland |
| Sat, Oct. 18 | vs. Rutgers |
| Sat, Oct. 25 | at Penn State |
| Sat, Nov. 1 | vs. Illinois |
| Sat, Nov. 8 | at Michigan State |
| Sat, Nov. 15 | at Minnesota |
| Sat, Nov. 22 | vs. Indiana |
| Sat, Nov. 29 | vs. Michigan |
Notable Games
- Navy
The midshipmen are not going to provide a physical test for Bennett, but they may be the perfect team to see how much Bennett has improved his vision and being able to diagnose plays.
- Virginia Tech
The marquee non-conference matchup for the Buckeyes this year, this will be their first nationally televised game in prime time and the defensive line will be integral if they are going to win that game.
- Michigan State
More from NFL Draft News
- 2024 NFL Draft: Prospect Viewing Guide for Week 0
- 2024 NFL Draft: All Eyes On NFL Draft Defensive Prospects
- Player Spotlight: USC Safety Calen Bullock
- 2024 Senior Bowl Watchlist Announced
- 2024 NFL Draft: Florida State is Loaded with Prospect in 2023
Especially after the Big Ten Title Game last year, this has become the game in the conference. This year, it takes place in East Lansing and is likely to be the biggest game of the year for both teams. The run defense led by Bennett will need to have a big game to be able to put additional pressure on Connor Cook and the Spartan passing game.
It is unfortunate that Wisconsin is not on their schedule this season as that proved to be a key test for Bennett last year. He did not play poorly, but the questions he faces were most prominent in that particular game.
System Fit
- 4-3 Nose Guard
The most obvious fit for Bennett is as a 1-tech in an even front, which is predominately the role he has played for the Buckeyes. He is strong enough to anchor against the run and hold up against double teams while being able to provide enough of a pass rush where he is not a waste when opponents throw the ball with him on the field.
- 3-4 Nose Tackle
Bennett has played this role when the Buckeyes go to an odd man front He is able to do it well enough at the collegiate level, but he could have far more difficulty pulling this off in the NFL. If he were to add more bulk, he might be able to make that transformation, but with his current build, he is best suited to play this role in nickel situations.
Draft Projection
Based on 2013 tape: Top 100 pick
With improvement in key areas in 2014: Top 50 pick with the possibility of cracking the 1st round in the 2015 NFL Draft.
The clips were provided by DraftBreakdown.com